(a) The General Assembly finds that: (i) a large portion of Illinois' citizens rely on groundwater for personal consumption, and industries use a significant amount of groundwater;(ii) contamination of Illinois groundwater will adversely impact the health and welfare of its citizens and adversely impact the economic viability of the State;(iii) contamination of Illinois' groundwater is occurring;(iv) protection of groundwater is a necessity for future economic development in this State.(b) Therefore, it is the policy of the State of Illinois to restore, protect, and enhance the groundwaters of the State, as a natural and public resource. The State recognizes the essential and pervasive role of groundwater in the social and economic well-being of the people of Illinois, and its vital importance to the general health, safety, and welfare. It is further recognized as consistent with this policy that the groundwater resources of the State be utilized for beneficial and legitimate purposes; that waste and degradation of the resources be prevented; and that the underground water resource be managed to allow for maximum benefit of the people of the State of Illinois.