Definitions As used in this subchapter:(1) 'Surface water' means all rivers, streams, creeks, brooks, reservoirs, ponds, lakes, and all bodies of surface waters that are contained within, flow through, or border upon the State or any portion of it. 'Surface water' does not include the following: (A) groundwater as defined in 10 V.S.A. § 1391;(B) artificial waterbodies as defined under section 29A-101(d) of the Vermont Water Quality Standards; (C) treatment ponds, lagoons, or wetlands created solely to meet the requirements of a permit issued for a discharge; and (D) constructed off-stream farm ponds or other off-stream impoundments that are used for irrigation for farming or watering of livestock. (2) 'Withdrawal' means the intentional diversion from a surface water by pumping, gravity, or other method for the purpose of being used for irrigation for farming, livestock watering, or other uses for farming. 'Withdrawal' does not include direct consumption of surface water by livestock. (Added 2021, No. 135 (Adj. Sess.), § 5, eff. July 1, 2022.)
Vermont Legal Code