Article 1 

In implementing the provisions of this Law, the following words and expressions shall have the meanings assigned to each of them unless the context requires otherwise: “Minister” means the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture. “Ministry” means the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture. “Competent Department” means the Department of Agricultural and Water Research. “Extraction” means to raise groundwater to the surface of the earth by any leading means. “Groundwater” means water found underground which may be extracted by means of wells. “Well” means any pit, trench or hole set in the ground by a tool or device for the purpose of reaching and extracting groundwater. “Drilling contractor” means any natural or juristic person that conducts well drilling for the purpose of extracting groundwater, whether alone or in collaboration with others. “Drilling device” means a device or tool used to drill or make a hole, break or blow up a part of the ground for the purpose of reaching groundwater or for any other purpose for which it is designed. “License to undertake drilling” means a license issued by the ministry to a drilling contractor to carry out his job in accordance with the terms laid down by the ministry for this purpose. “Drilling license” means a license issued by the ministry to a landlord, farm owner or the like for drilling, deepening, cleaning, or altering the specifications of a well. “Productive layer” means a layer which a drilling licensee is permitted to reach to extract water according to the depth set out in the drilling license. “Specifications” means specifications set out by the competent department for drilling, deepening or cleaning a well; its location and diameter; and the type of pump, its power, and the maximum amount of flow allowed.