Illinois Statutes Chapter 525. Conservation § 45/4. Definitions

§ 4. Definitions. As used in this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:

“Department” means the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

“District” or “Soil and Water Conservation District” means a public body, corporate and political, organized under the “Soil and Water Conservation Districts Act”. 1

“Geological Survey” means the Illinois State Geological Survey.

“Groundwater” means underground water which occurs within the saturated zone and geologic materials where the fluid pressure in the pore space is equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure.

“High-capacity intake” means a surface water intake located on a parcel of property where the rate or capacity of water withdrawal of all intakes for the property is equal to or in excess of 100,000 gallons during any 24-hour period.

“High-capacity well” means a well located on a parcel of property where the rate or capacity of water withdrawal of all wells on the property is equal to or in excess of 100,000 gallons during any 24-hour period.

“Land occupier” or “occupier of land” includes any individual, firm or corporation, other than the owner, who is in legal possession of any land in the State of Illinois whether as a lessee, renter, tenant or otherwise.

“Person” means any owner of land or the owners' designated agent including any individual, partnership, firm, association, joint venture, corporation, trust, estate, commission, board, public or private institution, unit of local government, school district, political subdivision of this state, state agency, any interstate body or any other legal entity.

“Point of withdrawal” means that point at which underground water is diverted by a person from its natural state.

“Public water supply” means all mains, pipes, and structures through which water is obtained and distributed to the public, including wells and well structures, intakes and cribs, pumping stations, treatment plants, reservoirs, storage tanks, and appurtenances, collectively or severally, actually used or intended for use for the purpose of furnishing water for drinking or general domestic use and which serve at least 15 service connections or which regularly serve at least 25 persons at least 60 days per year.

“Reasonable use” means the use of water to meet natural wants and a fair share for artificial wants. It does not include water used wastefully or maliciously.

“State” means the State of Illinois.

“Surface water” means a pond, lake, reservoir, stream, creek, or river.

“Water authority” means a local governmental body established by referendum under the Water Authorities Act (70 ILCS 3715/).

“Water survey” means the Illinois State Water Survey.