The public policy of this state and the general purposes of this chapter are to:
1. Protect the general economy and welfare of this state by encouraging the use of renewable water supplies, particularly this state's entitlement to Colorado river water, instead of groundwater through a flexible and effective regulatory program for the underground storage, savings and replenishment of water.
2. Allow for the efficient and cost-effective management of water supplies by allowing the use of storage facilities for filtration and distribution of surface water instead of constructing surface water treatment plants and pipeline distribution systems.