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Water rights are rights granted by the State of Utah, through the Utah Division of Water Rights (also known as the State Engineer's Office), that allow a person to use a specified amount of water from a specified source at a specified place for a specified use.
Correspondingly, what are water rights in Utah?
All waters in Utah are public property. A “water right” is a right to divert (remove from its natural source) and beneficially use water.
In this way, how do I get water rights in Utah?
Answer: You must own a water right to divert and use water in the State of Utah. Water well drillers are licensed and cannot drill a well unless permission to drill has been obtained from the State Engineer. You must determine if your area is open, restricted or closed to new water rights.
Steps
- Locate a water source. If you've recently bought land and want to build a well, you must first determine where the water would come from.
- Contact the state engineer or water authority.
- Research the water law in your state.
- Negotiate a contract.
- Conduct a field survey.
- File a well permit application.