Bill would change water use permits

Industry and farming groups are protesting a plan to force large water users to apply for permits.

The measure marks a major shift in state policies on water. Sponsored by Sen. Dan Clodfelter, a Mecklenburg County Democrat, the bill aims to head off conflicts and use science to allocate the resource.

Under current law, private companies may legally pump so much water that downstream users or nearby farmers' wells go dry, according to a legislative report. 

Towns sometimes don't know the limits of their water supplies until they have to turn down a new development.

But critics say the measure goes too far, stepping on property rights and adding needless regulations. (Char-O)