In the 1980s, Illinois saw many changed attitudes and laws governing the use and withdrawal of ground-water. This 1991 report summarizes ground-water quantity laws and management programs in Illinois and a number of other states. It compares the present system in Illinois with those in other states and lists recommendations for improvements in Illinois laws. The report reviews: (1) the underpinnings of common ground-water law, starting with the English rule of absolute ownership; (2) recent transitions in midwestern ground-water law; and (3) the nature and distribution of ground-water management area programs around the country. Illustrations.