Abstract
This Comment attempts to describe the current state of the law in Nebraska as it relates to rights and liabilities in groundwater well interference disputes. Certain suggestions are also set forth whereby the current law may become more effective.
I. Introduction
II. Basic Groundwater Hydrology
III. Applicable Legal Doctrines ... A. The English Rule of Absolute Ownership ... B. The American Rule of Reasonable Use ... C. The California Rule of Correlative Rights ... D. The Restatement Position ... E. The Doctrine of Prior Appropriation ... F. Preferences
IV. Prather v. Eisenmann ... A. The Facts ... B. The Nebraska Supreme Court Ruling
V. An Analysis of the Law ... A. Property Rights in Means of Diversion ... B. The Doctrine of Reasonable Diversion ... C. The Economic Reach Analysis ... D. Combining Preferences and Priorities ... E. Other Possibilities for Resolution or Avoidance of Conflicts
VI. Recommendations ... A. Considerations in Judicial Reform ... 1. Foreseeability of Harm ... 2. Financial Responsibility ... 3. The Measure of Damages ... 4. The Burden of Proof ... 5. Reasonableness of the Means of Diversion ... 6. Social Utility ... 7. Economic Utility ... 8. Extent of the Harm ... 9. Capacity to Bear the Loss ... 10. Limits on the Quantity of Water Used ... B. Considerations in Legislative Reform ... 1. The Effects of a Proposed Well ... 2. Public Hearings ... 3. Standing to Sue
VII. Conclusion
Recommended Citation
Stephen S. Gealy,
Protection Unlimited: A Preferred User's Right to Means of Groundwater Diversion in Nebraska,
62 Neb. L. Rev.
(1983)
Available at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nlr/vol62/iss2/4