Statement of Policy

Statement of Policy. In consideration that the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is almost exclusively dependent upon groundwater for its water supply, it is hereby declared to be the public policy of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the purpose of this chapter to: (a) Assert the rights of the people to groundwater resources for public benefit; (b) Assert that the general welfare requires that groundwater resources be put to the highest beneficial use for which they are capable; (c) Create permitting systems which regulate the withdrawal and use of groundwater resources of the Commonwealth; (d) Designate groundwater management zones; and (e) Promote the long-term ability of the Commonwealth to provide reliable and potable water to the public. Source: PL 6-12, § 2.