(1) Applicants for groundwater must follow aquifer testing requirements and provide to the department, at minimum, information and data in conformance with ARM 36.12.121.

(2) The department will complete an evaluation of drawdown in the applicant's production well for the maximum pumping rate and total volume requested in the permit application using the information provided from the aquifer test.

(3) The department will compare the drawdown projected for the proposed period of diversion to the height of the water column above the pump in the proposed production well to determine if the requested appropriation can be sustained.

(4) The requirements of ARM 36.12.121 must be followed, unless a variance has been granted by the department.