The recommendations were prepared to provide the Groundwater Work Group with recommendations for the overall technical approach to approvals for high capacity groundwater consumption in the State of Wisconsin. The recommendations are based on Mr. Nauta's experience as a member of the Groundwater Advisory Committee, his experience in numerous states and two other countries with high capacity well approvals, and from many discussions with fellow groundwater professionals, including staff from the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, the United States Geological Survey, and the University of Wisconsin.

With the exceptions of modifications made by 2003 Act 310, the groundwater use regulations in Wisconsin have not changed for decades, whereas stresses have increased dramatically, our understanding of the hydrologic environment has grown, and our tools for evaluating stresses have greatly improved. Mr. Nauta believes that Groundwater Work Group tools and knowledge should be utilized to manage the State’s water resources, and he provided recommendations which are consistent with the utilization of such tools in other states and countries.

Click here to open the PDF of Mr. Nauta's recommendations to the Groundwater Work Group.