are exempt wells fair?

A picture is worth a thousand words. At least, that was my initial reaction to this aerial photo taken in Gallatin County, Montana. This picture accurately depicts the growing exempt well controversies across Montana (Petitions, TU, Aquadoc) and Washington (Governor, CELP, DOE). If you don't fully understand the photo, here is a little clarification:

1. Permit. Represents a permitted irrigation water right.

2. Exempt. Represents a new residential development, quenching its thirst and watering its lawns, on several exempt wells (water rights).

In my mind, this begs the question: are exempt wells fair?