North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 143. State Departments, Institutions, and Commissions § 143-215.21. Definitions

(1), (2) Repealed by Laws 1987, c. 827, § 174.

(3) “Consumptive use” means any use of water withdrawn from a stream or the ground other than a “nonconsumptive use,” as defined in this Part.

(4) Repealed by Laws 1987, c. 827, § 174.

(5) “Nonconsumptive use” means (i) the use of water withdrawn from a stream in such a manner that it is returned to the stream without substantial diminution in quantity at or near the point from which it was taken; or, if the user owns both sides of the stream at the point of withdrawal, the water is returned to the stream upstream of the next property below the point of diversion on either side of the stream; (ii) the use of water withdrawn from a groundwater system or aquifer in such a manner that it is returned to the groundwater system or aquifer from which it was withdrawn without substantial diminution in quantity or substantial impairment in quality at or near the point from which it was withdrawn; (iii) provided, however, that (in determining whether a use of groundwater is nonconsumptive) the Commission may take into consideration whether any material injury or detriment to other water users of the area by reason of reduction of water pressure in the aquifer or system has not been adequately compensated by the permit applicant who caused or substantially contributed to such injury or detriment.

(6), (7) Repealed by Laws 1987, c. 827, § 174.