Mo. Rev. Stat. § 256.405
The purpose of sections 71.287 and 256.400 to 256.430 is to insure the development of information required for the analysis of certain future water resource management needs. It is intended to provide an important part of the information required in the technical assessment of current and future requirements for the regulation of water use or consumption, or both, on a regional or statewide basis, as may be required. The provisions of sections 71.287 and 256.400 to 256.430 shall not apply to dredging operations or water withdrawn or diverted from farm or other ponds or impoundments of water which collect and hold surface water and which are located upon property owned or leased by the withdrawer or diverter so long as the common law rights of downstream owners are not abridged, but the provisions of sections 71.287 and 256.400 to 256.430 shall apply to water withdrawn or diverted from wells or springs located on property owned by the withdrawer or diverter.
§ 256.405, RSMo