I have a good well right beside the HBG pond, but I won't use it just for that reason. I've poured a lot of work and finances into that pond, but I just can't justify taking the chance that my actions would cause trouble for my neighbors, when my ponds are just a hobby.
Water is like air, it doesn't stop at my property line, it's a resource shared by everyone. I don't believe that sinking a well on my property gives me unlimited access to the communal water table below. After all, polluting that same water table is a very good way to incur the wrath of governmental entities, due to the impact such an action would have on the surrounding area. If I pump enough out to contribute to someone else's well going dry, would that qualify as impacting their access to the water?
I'm sure that there are probably enough loopholes, and numerous interpretations of the various laws so that I would probably not be held accountable in court for my actions, but I wouldn't be able to escape my conscience. I would still know, and still feel at least partially responsible.
Not trying to stir the pot, as I realize such an opinion is probably not very popular during times such as these. It is after all, just one man's opinion, and most certainly not meant to be critical or condemning in any way.
TJ, I hope you get some rain soon... we've had 1.5" so far this month, and it was wonderful. Certainly not enough to impact our ponds, or the water table, but it still FELT good....
