The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) published an article tracking cases on issues related to quantity of water and land use. Initially this was an issue faced by well owners in western states, but these cases are now appearing in the eastern U.S. as well. The article discusses five cases going through various states right now. NGWA explains that "[a]n exempt well is one that withdraws 5,000 gallons or less per day ... without the need to obtain a water rights permit." NGWA published a brief on the topic for western states.