The politicians seem confused over what the problem is and what potential solutions exist.  Ground water withdrawal has very little affect on river flows, and water rights law is fairly well entrenched.  When ground water is withdrawn the water used flows back into the ground and eventually back to the river systems.  This water flow is supplemented with rain rain water and the result is that there is no loss of water, in terms of quantity.  Water rights are granted by the State on the basis of consumption.  A parcel of land may be subject to numerous water rights grants.  If a new water withdrawal exceeds its grant or if it negatively affects a senior water right, then the infraction becomes a private water rights dispute.  There is no need for State intervention other than to re-affirm the existing water rights policies of the State that have existed for hundreds of years without any significant public issue resulting.