Third Substitute S.B. 85

Senator Dennis E. Stowell proposes the following substitute bill:

1 WATER RIGHTS BOARD
2 2008 GENERAL SESSION
3 STATE OF UTAH
4 Chief Sponsor: Dennis E. Stowell
5 House Sponsor: James R. Gowans
6
7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill creates the Water Rights Board.
10 Highlighted Provisions:
11 This bill:
12 . creates a Water Rights Board as the policymaking board for the state engineer and
13 the Division of Water Rights;
14 . authorizes the Water Rights Board to:
15 . set fees;
16 . make rules;
17 . appoint an administrative law judge to conduct an administrative review a final
18 order of the state engineer;
19 . recommend to the governor the suspension or restoration of the appropriation of
20 surplus water;
21 . recommend to the Legislature amendments to or enactments of water law; and
22 . submit nominations to the governor for the state engineer appointment;
23 . requires the governor to appoint the state engineer from names submitted by the
24 Water Rights Board;
25 . authorizes an administrative law judge to review a final order of the state engineer;

26 . revokes the authority of the state engineer to:
27 . make rules;
28 . set fees;
29 . recommend to the governor the suspension or restoration of the appropriation of
30 surplus water; and
31 . recommend to the Legislature amendments to or enactments of water law;
32 . revokes the authority of the Division of Water Rights to:
33 . set a bond amount; and
34 . make rules; and
35 . authorizes an aggrieved person to request administrative or judicial review of a final
36 order of the state engineer.
37 Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
38 None
39 Other Special Clauses:
40 None
41 Utah Code Sections Affected:
42 AMENDS:
43 73-1-10, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2003, Chapter 298
44 73-2-1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 329
45 73-2-1.5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 33
46 73-2-10, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1983, Chapter 201
47 73-2-14, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 314
48 73-2-25, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 136
49 73-2-26, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 33
50 73-3-5.6, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1995, Chapter 121
51 73-3-14, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1987, Chapter 161
52 73-3-16, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1998, Chapter 33
53 73-3-23, Utah Code Annotated 1953
54 73-3-25, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 191
55 73-3a-104, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1991, Chapter 234
56 73-3b-104, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1991, Chapter 146

57 73-3b-201, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1995, Chapter 28
58 73-3b-204, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1995, Chapter 28
59 73-3b-302, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1995, Chapter 28
60 73-3c-302, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2006, Chapter 179
61 73-5-13, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2001, Chapter 136
62 73-5-15, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapters 179 and 329
63 73-5a-101, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1990, Chapter 319
64 73-5a-105, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1990, Chapter 319
65 73-5a-203, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1990, Chapter 319
66 73-5a-304, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1990, Chapter 319
67 73-5a-401, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1990, Chapter 319
68 73-5a-403, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1990, Chapter 319
69 73-5a-502, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1996, Chapter 264
70 73-5a-602, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1990, Chapter 319
71 73-6-1, Utah Code Annotated 1953
72 73-6-2, Utah Code Annotated 1953
73 73-22-5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1987, Chapter 161
74 73-22-6, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1981, Chapter 188
75 73-22-10, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1987, Chapter 161
76 ENACTS:
77 73-2-29, Utah Code Annotated 1953
78 73-2-30, Utah Code Annotated 1953
79 73-2-31, Utah Code Annotated 1953
80
81 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
82 Section 1. Section 73-1-10 is amended to read:
83 73-1-10. Conveyance of water rights -- Deed -- Exceptions -- Filing and recording
84 of deed -- Report of water right conveyance.
85 (1) (a) A water right, whether evidenced by a decree, a certificate of appropriation, a
86 diligence claim to the use of surface or underground water, or a water user's claim filed in
87 general determination proceedings, shall be transferred by deed in substantially the same

88 manner as is real estate.
89 (b) The deed must be recorded in the office of the recorder of the county where the
90 point of diversion of the water is located and in the county where the water is used.
91 (c) A recorded deed of a water right shall from the time of its recording in the office of
92 the county recorder constitute notice of its contents to all persons.
93 (2) The right to the use of water evidenced by shares of stock in a corporation shall be
94 transferred in accordance with the procedures applicable to securities set forth in Title 70A,
95 Chapter 8, Uniform Commercial Code - Investment Securities.
96 (3) (a) To update water right ownership on the records of the state engineer, a water
97 right owner shall submit a report of water right conveyance to the state engineer.
98 (b) The report of water right conveyance shall be on forms provided by the state
99 engineer.
100 (c) The report shall be prepared by:
101 (i) or prepared under the direction of and certified by, any of the following persons
102 licensed in Utah:
103 (A) an attorney;
104 (B) a professional engineer;
105 (C) a title insurance producer; or
106 (D) a professional land surveyor; or
107 (ii) the water right owner as authorized by rule of the [state engineer] Water Rights
108 Board.
109 (d) The filing and processing of a report of water right conveyance with the state
110 engineer is neither an adjudication of water right ownership nor an opinion as to title or validity
111 of the water right.
112 (e) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall adopt rules that specify:
113 (i) the information required in a report of water right conveyance; and
114 (ii) the procedures for processing the reports.
115 Section 2. Section 73-2-1 is amended to read:
116 73-2-1. State engineer -- Term -- Powers and duties -- Qualification for duties.
117 (1) There shall be a state engineer.
118 (2) (a) The state engineer shall:

119 [(a)] (i) be appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate;
120 [(b)] (ii) hold office for the term of four years and until a successor is appointed; and
121 [(c)] (iii) have five years experience as a practical engineer or the theoretical
122 knowledge, practical experience, and skill necessary for the position.
123 (b) The governor shall appoint the state engineer from a list of nominees submitted by
124 the Water Rights Board.
125 (3) (a) The state engineer shall be responsible for the general administrative
126 supervision of the waters of the state and the measurement, appropriation, apportionment, and
127 distribution of those waters.
128 (b) The state engineer may secure the equitable apportionment and distribution of the
129 water according to the respective rights of appropriators.
130 [(4) The state engineer shall make rules, in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a,
131 Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, consistent with the purposes and provisions of this title,
132 regarding:]
133 [(a) reports of water right conveyances;]
134 [(b) the construction of water wells and the licensing of water well drillers;]
135 [(c) dam construction and safety;]
136 [(d) the alteration of natural streams;]
137 [(e) sewage effluent reuse;]
138 [(f) geothermal resource conservation; and]
139 [(g) enforcement orders and the imposition of fines and penalties.]
140 [(5) The state engineer may make rules, in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
141 Administrative Rulemaking Act, consistent with the purposes and provisions of this title,
142 governing:]
143 [(a) water distribution systems and water commissioners;]
144 [(b) water measurement and reporting;]
145 [(c) ground-water recharge and recovery;]
146 [(d) the determination of water rights; and]
147 [(e) the form and content of applications and related documents, maps, and reports.]
148 [(6)] (4) The state engineer may bring suit in courts of competent jurisdiction to:
149 (a) enjoin the unlawful appropriation, diversion, and use of surface and underground

150 water without first seeking redress through the administrative process;
151 (b) prevent theft, waste, loss, or pollution of those waters;
152 (c) enable him to carry out the duties of his office; and
153 (d) enforce administrative orders and collect fines and penalties.
154 [(7)] (5) The state engineer may:
155 (a) upon request from the board of trustees of an irrigation district under Title 17B,
156 Chapter 2a, Part 5, Irrigation District Act, or another local district under Title 17B, Limited
157 Purpose Local Government Entities - Local Districts, or a special service district under Title
158 17A, Chapter 2, Part 13, Utah Special Service District Act, that operates an irrigation water
159 system, cause a water survey to be made of all lands proposed to be annexed to the district in
160 order to determine and allot the maximum amount of water that could be beneficially used on
161 the land, with a separate survey and allotment being made for each 40-acre or smaller tract in
162 separate ownership; and
163 (b) upon completion of the survey and allotment under Subsection [(7)] (5)(a), file with
164 the district board a return of the survey and report of the allotment.
165 [(8)] (6) (a) The state engineer may establish water distribution systems and define
166 their boundaries.
167 (b) The water distribution systems shall be formed in a manner that:
168 (i) secures the best protection to the water claimants; and
169 (ii) is the most economical for the state to supervise.
170 Section 3. Section 73-2-1.5 is amended to read:
171 73-2-1.5. Procedures -- Adjudicative proceedings.
172 Except as provided in Sections 63-46b-1 and 73-2-25 , the Water Rights Board, the state
173 engineer, and the Division of Water Rights shall comply with the procedures and requirements
174 of Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act, in their adjudicative proceedings.
175 Section 4. Section 73-2-10 is amended to read:
176 73-2-10. Knowledge of waterways and irrigation -- Suggestions as to amendment
177 or enactment of laws.
178 (1) The state engineer shall become conversant with the waterways of the state and its
179 needs as to irrigation matters[; and he shall make such suggestions as to the amendment of].
180 (2) The Water Rights Board shall suggest an amendment to existing laws or the

181 enactment of new laws [as his information and experience shall suggest].
182 Section 5. Section 73-2-14 is amended to read:
183 73-2-14. Fees -- Deposited as a dedicated credit.
184 (1) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall charge fees pursuant to Section
185 63-38-3.2 for the following:
186 (a) applications to appropriate water;
187 (b) applications to temporarily appropriate water;
188 (c) applications for permanent or temporary change;
189 (d) applications for exchange;
190 (e) applications for an extension of time in which to resume use of water;
191 (f) applications to appropriate water, or make a permanent or temporary change, for use
192 outside the state filed pursuant to Title 73, Chapter 3a, Water Exports;
193 (g) groundwater recovery permits;
194 (h) diligence claims for surface or underground water filed pursuant to Section
195 73-5-13 ;
196 (i) republication of notice to water users after amendment of application where
197 required by this title;
198 (j) applications to segregate;
199 (k) requests for an extension of time in which to submit proof of appropriation not to
200 exceed 14 years after the date of approval of the application;
201 (l) requests for an extension of time in which to submit proof of appropriation 14 years
202 or more after the date of approval of the application;
203 (m) groundwater recharge permits;
204 (n) applications for a well driller's license, annual renewal of a well driller's license,
205 and late annual renewal of a well driller's license;
206 (o) certification of copies;
207 (p) preparing copies of documents; [and]
208 (q) reports of water right conveyance[.]; and
209 (r) administrative review under Section 73-2-31 .
210 (2) (a) Fees for the services specified in Subsections (1)(a) through (i) shall be based
211 upon the rate of flow or volume of water.

212 (b) If it is proposed to appropriate by both direct flow and storage, the fee shall be
213 based upon either the rate of flow or annual volume of water stored, whichever fee is greater.
214 (c) The fee for the service specified in Subsection (1)(r) shall be based on the cost of
215 the administrative review process.
216 (3) [Fees] Except as provided in Subsection (4), a fee collected under this section:
217 (a) shall be deposited in the General Fund as a dedicated credit to be used by the
218 Division of Water Rights; and
219 (b) may only be used by the Division of Water Rights to:
220 (i) meet the publication of notice requirements under this title; and
221 (ii) process reports of water right conveyance.
222 (4) The fee collected under Subsection (1)(r) shall be deposited in the General Fund as
223 a dedicated credit to be used by the Water Rights Board for the costs associated with the
224 administrative review process.
225 Section 6. Section 73-2-25 is amended to read:
226 73-2-25. State engineer enforcement powers.
227 (1) For purposes of this section, "initial order" means one of the following issued by
228 the state engineer:
229 (a) a notice of violation; or
230 (b) a cease and desist order.
231 (2) (a) The state engineer may commence an enforcement action under this section if
232 the state engineer finds that a person:
233 (i) is diverting, impounding, or using water for which no water right has been
234 established;
235 (ii) is diverting, impounding, or using water in violation of an existing water right;
236 (iii) violates Section 73-5-4 ;
237 (iv) violates Section 73-5-9 ;
238 (v) violates a written distribution order from the state engineer;
239 (vi) violates an order issued under Section 73-3-29 regarding the alteration of the bed
240 or bank of a natural stream channel; or
241 (vii) violates a notice or order regarding dam safety issued under Chapter 5a, Dam
242 Safety.

243 (b) To commence an enforcement action under this section, the state engineer shall
244 issue an initial order, which shall include:
245 (i) a description of the violation;
246 (ii) notice of any penalties to which a person may be subject under Section 73-2-26 ;
247 and
248 (iii) notice that the state engineer may treat each day's violation of the provisions listed
249 in Subsection (2)(a) as a separate violation under Subsection 73-2-26 (1)(d).
250 (c) The state engineer's issuance and enforcement of an initial order is exempt from
251 Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
252 (3) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
253 [state engineer] the Water Rights Board shall make rules necessary to enforce an initial order,
254 which shall include:
255 (a) provisions consistent with this section and Section 73-2-26 for enforcement of the
256 initial order if a person to whom an initial order is issued fails to respond to the order or abate
257 the violation;
258 (b) the right to a hearing, upon request by a person against whom an initial order is
259 issued; and
260 (c) provisions for timely issuance of a final order after:
261 (i) the person to whom the initial order is issued fails to respond to the order or abate
262 the violation; or
263 (ii) a hearing held under Subsection (3)(b).
264 (4) A person may not intervene in an enforcement action commenced under this
265 section.
266 (5) After issuance of a final order under rules made pursuant to Subsection (3)(c), the
267 state engineer shall serve a copy of the final order on the person against whom the order is
268 issued by:
269 (a) personal service under Utah Rules of Civil Procedure 5; or
270 (b) certified mail.
271 (6) (a) The state engineer's final order may be reviewed by:
272 (i) the Water Rights Board as authorized by Section 73-2-31 ; or
273 (ii) trial de novo by the district court in:

274 [(i)] (A) Salt Lake County; or
275 [(ii)] (B) the county where the violation occurred.
276 (b) A person shall file a petition for administrative or judicial review of the state
277 engineer's final order issued under this section within 20 days from the day on which the final
278 order was served on that person.
279 (7) The state engineer may bring suit in a court of competent jurisdiction to enforce a
280 final order issued under this section.
281 (8) If the state engineer prevails in an action brought under Subsection (6)(b) or (7), the
282 state may recover all court costs and a reasonable attorney fee.
283 Section 7. Section 73-2-26 is amended to read:
284 73-2-26. Administrative penalties.
285 (1) (a) As part of a final order issued under Section 73-2-25 , the state engineer may
286 order that a person to whom an order is issued:
287 (i) pay an administrative fine not to exceed:
288 (A) $5,000 for each knowing violation; or
289 (B) $1,000 for each violation that is not knowing;
290 (ii) replace up to 200% of water taken; and
291 (iii) be liable for any expense incurred by the state engineer or division in investigating
292 and stopping the violation.
293 (b) The definition of "knowingly" under Subsection 76-2-103 (2) shall apply to
294 determinations under Subsection (1)(a)(i).
295 (c) The penalties described in Subsection (1)(a) shall be in addition to:
296 (i) any criminal penalty established for a violation described in Subsection (1); and
297 (ii) any private right of action.
298 (d) (i) Each day of a continuing violation of the provisions described in Subsection
299 73-2-25 (2)(a) or an initial or final order issued under Section 73-2-25 is a separate violation.
300 (ii) A penalty may not be imposed for a violation of the provisions listed in Subsection
301 73-2-25 (2)(a) or an initial or a final order issued under Section 73-2-25 for a violation
302 occurring more than 12 months before the day on which a notice of violation is issued.
303 (e) Separate violations under Subsection (1)(d) may be consolidated for resolution in
304 one enforcement proceeding under Section 73-2-25 .

305 (f) The state engineer has discretion to pursue an administrative fine, order requiring
306 replacement, or both.
307 (2) Before imposing a fine or ordering replacement under Subsection (1), the state
308 engineer shall consider:
309 (a) the value or quantity of water unlawfully taken, including the cost or difficulty of
310 replacing the water;
311 (b) the gravity of the violation, including the economic injury or impact to others;
312 (c) whether the person subject to fine or replacement attempted to comply with the
313 state engineer's orders; and
314 (d) the violator's economic benefit from the violation.
315 (3) (a) The state engineer may require that the water unlawfully taken be replaced after:
316 (i) a person fails to request administrative or judicial review of a final order issued
317 under Section 73-2-25 ; or
318 (ii) the completion of administrative or judicial review, including any appeals.
319 (b) The state engineer's order shall require that replacement of water begin within one
320 year of the day on which:
321 (i) the time period for requesting administrative or judicial review of a final order
322 issued under Section 73-2-25 expires without a person requesting administrative or judicial
323 review of the final order; or
324 (ii) the completion of administrative or judicial review, including any appeals.
325 (4) Water replaced under Subsection (3) shall be taken from water that the person
326 subject to the order requiring replacement would be entitled to use during the replacement
327 period.
328 (5) (a) If the state engineer issues an order requiring replacement, a copy of the order
329 shall be placed in the Division of Water Rights' water rights records.
330 (b) The order requiring replacement shall constitute a lien upon the water right affected
331 if the state engineer files a notice of lien in the office of the county recorder in the county
332 where the place of use of the water right is located.
333 (c) A notice of lien under Subsection (5)(b) shall include a legal description of the
334 place of use of the water right.
335 (6) Any monies collected under this section shall be deposited into the General Fund.

336 Section 8. Section 73-2-29 is enacted to read:
337 73-2-29. Water Rights Board created.
338 (1) As used in this section, "board" means the Water Rights Board.
339 (2) There is created the Water Rights Board that is the policymaking board for the state
340 engineer and the Division of Water Rights.
341 (3) (a) The governor, with the consent of the Senate, shall appoint the following five
342 members to the board:
343 (i) one member who:
344 (A) represents an agricultural or livestock interest;
345 (B) owns a surface water right; and
346 (C) is nominated by an organization that promotes agriculture;
347 (ii) one member who:
348 (A) represents an agricultural or livestock interest;
349 (B) owns a groundwater right; and
350 (C) is nominated by an organization that promotes agriculture;
351 (iii) one member who:
352 (A) represents a municipality; and
353 (B) is nominated by an organization that promotes municipal interests;
354 (iv) one member who:
355 (A) represents a water conservancy district; and
356 (B) is nominated by an organization that represents water conservancy districts; and
357 (v) one member who:
358 (A) represents a fish, wildlife, or recreational interest; and
359 (B) is nominated by an organization that promotes the instream flow of water.
360 (b) (i) At least one member appointed under Subsection (3)(a) shall be:
361 (A) licensed to practice law in the state; and
362 (B) knowledgeable about water law.
363 (ii) No member appointed under Subsection (3)(a) may reside in the same county as
364 another member.
365 (c) (i) A nominating organization shall nominate at least three people.
366 (ii) If the governor rejects all nominations submitted for a member, the nominating

367 organization shall submit additional names.
368 (d) If no organization submits a nomination, the governor shall appoint a member who
369 represents the interest listed in Subsection (3)(a).
370 (4) (a) Except as provided by Subsection (4)(b), a member shall serve a four year term.
371 (b) The governor shall, at the time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length
372 of terms to ensure that the terms of no more than half of the members expire in a fiscal year.
373 (c) When a vacancy occurs on the board for any reason, the governor shall appoint a
374 replacement for the unexpired term with the consent of the Senate.
375 (5) (a) A board member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's
376 services, but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of the member's
377 official duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and
378 63A-3-107 .
379 (b) A member may decline to receive per diem and expenses for the member's service.
380 (6) (a) The board shall elect one of its members to serve as chair for a term of two
381 years.
382 (b) All members on the board have equal voting rights on a board matter when present
383 at a board meeting.
384 (c) Four board members is a quorum for conducting board business.
385 (d) A majority vote of the quorum present is required for an action to be taken by the
386 board.
387 (7) The board shall meet at each of the Division of Water Rights' regional offices at
388 least once a year, but may hold other meetings at times and places as scheduled by:
389 (a) the chair; or
390 (b) three members, upon filing a written request for a meeting with the chair.
391 (8) The attorney general shall provide the Water Rights Board with:
392 (a) legal advice; and
393 (b) legal services in the prosecution or defense of an action resulting from the
394 performance of the board's duties.
395 (9) The Division of Water Rights shall provide necessary administrative and staff
396 support services to the Water Rights Board.
397 Section 9. Section 73-2-30 is enacted to read:

398 73-2-30. Water Rights Board -- Powers -- Duties.
399 (1) The Water Rights Board shall:
400 (a) set policy consistent with this title for the state engineer and the Division of Water
401 Rights by making rules in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative
402 Rulemaking Act, and as provided in this title;
403 (b) adopt a fee authorized by this title;
404 (c) appoint an administrative law judge to review an order by the state engineer as
405 provided by Section 73-2-31 ;
406 (d) nominate at least three people for the appointment of the state engineer in
407 accordance with Section 73-2-1 ; and
408 (e) perform other duties assigned to the Water Rights Board in this title.
409 (2) A rule made by the state engineer or the Division of Water Rights that is in effect
410 on May 4, 2008 is considered a rule made by the board on May 5, 2008.
411 Section 10. Section 73-2-31 is enacted to read:
412 73-2-31. Administrative Review by the Water Rights Board.
413 (1) A person aggrieved by a final order of the state engineer regarding a water right of
414 50 acre-fee or less:
415 (a) may seek administrative review of the order by the administrative law judge
416 appointed by the Water Rights Board by:
417 (i) following Section 63-46b-12 ; and
418 (ii) paying the fee set in accordance with Section 73-2-14 .
419 (b) is not required to seek an administrative review before seeking judicial review of
420 the order in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
421 (2) (a) For purposes of Section 63-46b-12 , the administrative law judge is a superior
422 agency that may review a final order of the state engineer.
423 (b) After review of a state engineer's final order in accordance with Title 63, Chapter
424 46b, Administrative Procedures Act, the administrative law judge may:
425 (i) take no action;
426 (ii) vacate or remand the order; or
427 (iii) amend the order.
428 (c) The administrative law judge shall sign a written final order on review as required

429 by Section 63-46b-12 .
430 (3) A person aggrieved by a final order of the administrative law judge may seek
431 judicial review of the order in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative
432 Procedures Act.
433 (4) An order by the state engineer is final 30 days after the day on which the order is
434 issued unless stayed, amended, or overturned by:
435 (a) the administrative law judge under Section 63-46b-12 ;
436 (b) a district court under Section 63-46b-15 ; or
437 (c) the Supreme Court under Section 63-46b-16 .
438 Section 11. Section 73-3-5.6 is amended to read:
439 73-3-5.6. Applications to appropriate or permanently change a small amount of
440 water.
441 (1) The state engineer may approve an application to appropriate or permanently
442 change a small amount of water necessary to meet the requirements of one residence, 1/4 acre
443 of irrigable land, and ten cattle or the equivalent amount of water for livestock purposes, if:
444 (a) the state engineer undertakes a thorough investigation of the proposed appropriation
445 or permanent change;
446 (b) notice is provided in accordance with Subsection (2); and
447 (c) the application complies with [the state engineer's]:
448 (i) the Water Rights Board's regional policies and restrictions made by rule; and
449 (ii) Section 73-3-3 or 73-3-8 , as applicable.
450 (2) (a) Advertising of an application to appropriate or permanently change a small
451 amount of water as specified in Subsection (1) shall be at the discretion of the state engineer.
452 (b) If the state engineer finds that the uses proposed by the application may impair
453 other rights, before approving the application, the state engineer shall give notice of the
454 application according to Section 73-3-6 .
455 (3) An applicant receiving approval under this section shall be responsible for the time
456 limit of construction and submitting proof of appropriation or permanent change as required
457 under this chapter.
458 Section 12. Section 73-3-14 is amended to read:
459 73-3-14. Judicial and administrative review.

460 (1) (a) Any person aggrieved by an order of the state engineer may obtain:
461 (i) administrative review by the Water Rights Board in accordance with Section
462 73-2-31 ; or
463 (ii) judicial review by following the procedures and requirements of Title 63, Chapter
464 46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
465 (b) Venue for judicial review of informal adjudicative proceedings shall be in the
466 county in which the stream or water source, or some part of it, is located.
467 (2) The state engineer shall be joined as a defendant in all suits to review [his] the state
468 engineer's decisions, but no judgment for costs or expenses of the litigation may be rendered
469 against [him] the state engineer.
470 Section 13. Section 73-3-16 is amended to read:
471 73-3-16. Proof of appropriation or permanent change -- Notice -- Manner of
472 proof -- Statements -- Maps, profiles, and drawings -- Verification -- Waiver of filing --
473 Statement in lieu of proof of appropriation or change.
474 (1) Sixty days before the date set for the proof of appropriation or proof of change to be
475 made, the state engineer shall notify the applicant by mail when proof of completion of the
476 works and application of the water to a beneficial use will be due.
477 (2) On or before the date set for completing the proof in accordance with the
478 application, the applicant shall file proof with the state engineer on forms furnished by the state
479 engineer.
480 (3) Except as provided in Subsection (4), the applicant shall submit the following
481 information:
482 (a) a description of the works constructed;
483 (b) the quantity of water in acre-feet or the flow in second-feet diverted, or both;
484 (c) the method of applying the water to beneficial use; and
485 (d) (i) detailed measurements of water put to beneficial use;
486 (ii) the date the measurements were made; and
487 (iii) the name of the person making the measurements.
488 (4) (a) On applications filed for appropriation or permanent change of use of water to
489 provide a water supply for state projects constructed pursuant to Title 73, Chapter 10, Board of
490 Water Resources - Division of Water Resources, or for federal projects constructed by the

491 United States Bureau of Reclamation for the use and benefit of the state, any of its agencies, its
492 political subdivisions, public and quasi-municipal corporations, or water users' associations of
493 which the state, its agencies, political subdivisions, or public and quasi-municipal corporations
494 are stockholders, the proof shall include:
495 (i) a statement indicating construction of the project works has been completed;
496 (ii) a description of the major features with appropriate maps, profiles, drawings, and
497 reservoir area-capacity curves;
498 (iii) a description of the point or points of diversion and rediversion;
499 (iv) project operation data;
500 (v) a map showing the place of use of water and a statement of the purpose and method
501 of use;
502 (vi) the project plan for beneficial use of water under the applications and the quantity
503 of water required; and
504 (vii) a statement indicating what type of measuring devices have been installed.
505 (b) The director of the Division of Water Resources shall sign proofs for the state
506 projects and an authorized official of the Bureau of Reclamation shall sign proofs for the
507 federal projects specified in Subsection (4)(a).
508 (5) The proof on all applications shall be sworn to by the applicant or the applicant's
509 appointed representative and proof engineer.
510 (6) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (6)(b), when filing proof, the applicant shall
511 submit maps, profiles, and drawings made by a Utah licensed land surveyor or Utah licensed
512 professional engineer that show:
513 (i) the location of the completed works;
514 (ii) the nature and extent of the completed works;
515 (iii) the natural stream or source from which and the point where the water is diverted
516 and, in the case of a nonconsumptive use, the point where the water is returned; and
517 (iv) the place of use.
518 (b) The state engineer may waive the filing of maps, profiles, and drawings if in the
519 state engineer's opinion the written proof adequately describes the works and the nature and
520 extent of beneficial use.
521 (7) The completed proof shall conform to rules [and standards] established by the [state

522 engineer] Water Rights Board.
523 (8) In those areas in which general determination proceedings are pending, or have
524 been concluded, under Title 73, Chapter 4, Determination of Water Rights, the state engineer
525 may petition the district court for permission to:
526 (a) waive the requirements of this section and Section 73-3-17 ; and
527 (b) permit each owner of an application to file a verified statement to the effect that the
528 applicant has completed the appropriation or change and elects to file a statement of water
529 users claim in the proposed determination of water rights or any supplement to it in accordance
530 with Title 73, Chapter 4, Determination of Water Rights, in lieu of proof of appropriation or
531 proof of change.
532 Section 14. Section 73-3-23 is amended to read:
533 73-3-23. Replacement of water.
534 (1) In all cases of appropriations of underground water the right of replacement is
535 hereby granted to any junior appropriator whose appropriation may diminish the quantity or
536 injuriously affect the quality of appropriated underground water in which the right to the use
537 thereof has been established as provided by law.
538 (2) No replacement may be made until application in writing has been made to and
539 approved by the state engineer.
540 (3) In all cases replacement shall be at the sole cost and expense of the applicant and
541 subject to [such] rules [and regulations as the state engineer may prescribe] made by the Water
542 Rights Board.
543 (4) The right of eminent domain is hereby granted to any applicant for the purpose of
544 replacement as provided herein.
545 Section 15. Section 73-3-25 is amended to read:
546 73-3-25. Well driller's license -- Bond -- Revocation or suspension for
547 noncompliance.
548 (1) (a) Every person that constructs a well in the state shall obtain a license from the
549 state engineer.
550 (b) [The state engineer] In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative
551 Rulemaking Act, the Water Rights Board shall enact rules:
552 (i) defining the form, the expiration date, and the renewal cycle of the application for a

553 license[.]; and
554 (ii) regulating well construction.
555 (c) Well drillers' licenses are not transferable. [The state engineer shall enact rules for
556 well construction according to the procedures and requirements of Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
557 Administrative Rulemaking Act.]
558 (2) (a) (i) A person who constructs a well in this state must first obtain a license as
559 provided in this section.
560 (ii) Before a well driller's license will be issued, the applicant must file a well driller
561 bond with the state engineer.
562 (iii) The bond shall be made payable to the Office of the State Engineer.
563 (iv) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act,
564 the [state engineer] Water Rights Board may make rules to set the amount, form, and general
565 administrative requirements of a well driller bond. Proper compliance with the provisions of
566 this section and the rules enacted under the authority of this section are required to obtain or
567 renew a license.
568 (b) (i) Well drillers shall comply with the rules [enacted by the state engineer under this
569 chapter] authorized by this section.
570 (ii) If the state engineer determines, following an investigation, that the licensee has
571 failed to comply with these rules, the state engineer may revoke or suspend the license, and
572 exact the bond and deposit the money as a nonlapsing dedicated credit.
573 (iii) The state engineer may expend the funds to investigate or correct any deficiencies
574 which could adversely affect the public interest resulting from noncompliance with the rules
575 promulgated under this chapter by any well driller.
576 (iv) The state engineer may refuse to issue a license to a well driller if it appears that
577 there has been a violation of the rules or a failure to comply with Section 73-3-22 .
578 Section 16. Section 73-3a-104 is amended to read:
579 73-3a-104. Rulemaking power of Water Rights Board.
580 In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
581 [state engineer] Water Rights Board may make rules necessary to administer this chapter.
582 Section 17. Section 73-3b-104 is amended to read:
583 73-3b-104. Rulemaking power of Water Rights Board.

584 The [state engineer] Water Rights Board may make rules to administer this chapter in
585 accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
586 Section 18. Section 73-3b-201 is amended to read:
587 73-3b-201. Application for a recharge permit -- Required information -- Filing
588 fee.
589 (1) The application for obtaining a groundwater recharge permit shall include the
590 following information:
591 (a) the name and mailing address of the applicant;
592 (b) the name of the groundwater basin or groundwater sub-basin in which the applicant
593 proposes to operate the project;
594 (c) the name and mailing address of the owner of the land on which the applicant
595 proposes to operate the project;
596 (d) a legal description of the location of the proposed project;
597 (e) the source and annual quantity of water proposed to be stored underground;
598 (f) evidence of a water right or an agreement to use the water proposed to be stored
599 underground;
600 (g) the quality of the water proposed to be stored underground and the water quality of
601 the receiving groundwater aquifer;
602 (h) evidence that the applicant has applied for all applicable water quality permits;
603 (i) a plan of operation for the proposed recharge and recovery project which shall
604 include:
605 (i) a description of the proposed project;
606 (ii) its design capacity;
607 (iii) a detailed monitoring program; and
608 (iv) the proposed duration of the project;
609 (j) a copy of a study demonstrating[;]:
610 (i) the area of hydrologic impact of the project;
611 (ii) that the project is hydrologically feasible;
612 (iii) that the project will not:
613 (A) cause unreasonable harm to land; or
614 (B) impair any existing water right within the area of hydrologic impact; and

615 (iv) the percentage of anticipated recoverable water;
616 (k) evidence of financial and technical capability; and
617 (l) any other information that the state engineer requires.
618 (2) (a) A filing fee must be submitted with the application.
619 (b) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall establish the filing fee in accordance
620 with Section 63-38-3.2 .
621 Section 19. Section 73-3b-204 is amended to read:
622 73-3b-204. Application for a recovery permit -- Required information.
623 (1) If a person intends to recharge and recover water, the recovery application and
624 permit may be filed and processed with the groundwater recharge application and permit.
625 (2) The application for obtaining a recovery permit shall include the following
626 information:
627 (a) the name and mailing address of the applicant;
628 (b) a legal description of the location of the existing well or proposed new well from
629 which the applicant intends to recover stored water;
630 (c) a written consent from the owner of the recharge permit;
631 (d) the name and mailing address of the owner of the land from which the applicant
632 proposes to recover stored water;
633 (e) the name or description of the artificially recharged groundwater aquifer which is
634 the source of supply;
635 (f) the purpose for which the stored water will be recovered;
636 (g) the depth and diameter of the existing well or proposed new well;
637 (h) a legal description of the area where the stored water is proposed to be used;
638 (i) the design pumping capacity of the existing well or proposed new well; and
639 (j) any other information including maps, drawings, and data that the state engineer
640 requires.
641 (3) (a) A filing fee must be submitted with the application.
642 (b) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall establish the filing fee in accordance
643 with Section 63-38-3.2 .
644 Section 20. Section 73-3b-302 is amended to read:
645 73-3b-302. Fee.

646 (1) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall assess an annual fee, in accordance
647 with Section 63-38-3.2 , on each person who holds a groundwater recharge or recovery permit.
648 (2) The fee shall reflect the division's costs to administer and monitor groundwater
649 recharge and recovery projects.
650 Section 21. Section 73-3c-302 is amended to read:
651 73-3c-302. Application to the state engineer.
652 (1) A public agency proposing water reuse shall apply to the state engineer.
653 (2) An application for water reuse under Subsection (1) shall be made upon forms
654 furnished by the state engineer and shall include:
655 (a) the name of the applicant;
656 (b) a description of the underlying water right;
657 (c) an evaluation of the underlying water right's diversion, depletion, and return flow
658 requirements;
659 (d) the estimated quantity of water to be reused;
660 (e) the location of the POTW;
661 (f) the place, purpose, and extent of the proposed water reuse;
662 (g) an evaluation of depletion from the hydrologic system caused by the water reuse;
663 and
664 (h) any other information consistent with this chapter that is requested by the state
665 engineer.
666 (3) An application under Subsection (1) shall include a copy of a reuse authorization
667 contract for water reuse proposed by a public agency for any underlying water right not owned
668 by the public agency.
669 (4) In considering an application for water reuse, the state engineer shall comply with:
670 (a) Section 73-3-6 ;
671 (b) Section 73-3-7 ;
672 (c) Section 73-3-10 ; and
673 (d) Section 73-3-14 .
674 (5) In determining whether a proposed water reuse is consistent with the underlying
675 water right, the state engineer shall conclude that a proposed water reuse is consistent with the
676 underlying water right if:

677 (a) the use of the reuse water does not enlarge the underlying water right; and
678 (b) any return flow requirement of the underlying water right is satisfied.
679 (6) (a) The state engineer shall approve a water reuse application if the state engineer
680 concludes that the proposed water reuse is consistent with the underlying water right.
681 (b) The state engineer may:
682 (i) deny an application for water reuse if the proposed water reuse is inconsistent with
683 the underlying water right; or
684 (ii) approve the application in part or with conditions to assure consistency with the
685 underlying water right.
686 (7) A public agency with an approved reuse application shall submit a report, as
687 directed by the state engineer, concerning the ongoing water reuse operation.
688 (8) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board may make rules in accordance with Title
689 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, to implement the provisions of this
690 chapter.
691 Section 22. Section 73-5-13 is amended to read:
692 73-5-13. Claim to surface or underground water not otherwise represented --
693 Information required -- Corrections -- Filing -- Investigation -- Publication -- Judicial
694 action to determine validity -- Rules.
695 (1) (a) All claimants to the right to the use of water, including both surface and
696 underground, whose rights are not represented by certificates of appropriation issued by the
697 state engineer, by applications filed with the state engineer, by court decrees, or by notice of
698 claim filed pursuant to law, shall submit the claim to the state engineer.
699 (b) Subsections (2) through (7) shall only apply to claims submitted to the state
700 engineer pursuant to this section after May 4, 1997.
701 (2) (a) Each claim submitted under this section shall be verified under oath by the
702 claimant or the claimant's duly appointed representative and submitted on forms furnished by
703 the state engineer setting forth any information the state engineer requires, including:
704 (i) the name and post office address of the person making the claim;
705 (ii) the quantity of water claimed in acre-feet or rate of flow in second-feet, or both,
706 where appropriate;
707 (iii) the source of supply;

708 (iv) the priority date of the right;
709 (v) the location of the point of diversion with reference to a United States land survey
710 corner;
711 (vi) the place of use;
712 (vii) the nature and extent of use;
713 (viii) the time during which the water has been used each year; and
714 (ix) the date when the water was first used.
715 (b) The claim shall also include the following information verified under oath by a
716 registered engineer or land surveyor:
717 (i) measurements of the amount of water diverted;
718 (ii) a statement that the quantity of water claimed either in acre-feet or cubic feet per
719 second is consistent with the beneficial use claimed and the supply which the source is capable
720 of producing; and
721 (iii) a map showing the original diversion and conveyance works and where the water
722 was placed to beneficial use, including irrigated lands, if irrigation is the claimed beneficial
723 use.
724 (c) The state engineer may require additional information as necessary to evaluate any
725 claim including:
726 (i) affidavits setting forth facts of which the affiant has personal knowledge;
727 (ii) authenticated or historic photographs, plat or survey maps, or surveyors' notes;
728 (iii) authenticated copies of original diaries, personal histories, or other historical
729 documents which document the claimed use of water; and
730 (iv) other relevant records on file with any county recorder's, surveyor's, or assessor's
731 office.
732 (3) (a) A claim may be corrected by submitting to the state engineer a verified
733 corrected claim designated as such and bearing the same number as the original claim.
734 (b) No fee shall be charged for submitting a corrected claim.
735 (4) (a) Upon submission by a claimant of a claim that is acceptably complete under
736 Subsection (2) and the deposit of money by a claimant with the state engineer sufficient to pay
737 the expenses of conducting a field investigation and publishing a notice of the claim, the state
738 engineer shall:

739 (i) file the claim;
740 (ii) endorse the date of its receipt;
741 (iii) assign the claim a water right number; and
742 (iv) publish a notice of the claim following the same procedures as provided in Section
743 73-3-6 .
744 (b) Any claim not acceptably complete under Subsection (2) shall be returned to the
745 claimant.
746 (c) The acceptance of any claim filed under this section by the state engineer may not
747 be considered to be an adjudication by the state engineer of the validity of the claimed water
748 right.
749 (5) (a) The state engineer shall:
750 (i) conduct a field investigation of each claim filed; and
751 (ii) prepare a report of the investigation.
752 (b) The report of the investigation shall:
753 (i) become part of the file on the claim; and
754 (ii) be admissible in any administrative or judicial proceeding on the validity of the
755 claim.
756 (6) (a) Any person who may be damaged by a diversion and use of water as described
757 in a claim submitted pursuant to this section may file an action in district court to determine the
758 validity of the claim, whether or not the claim has been accepted for filing by the state
759 engineer.
760 (b) Venue for the action shall be in the county in which the point of diversion listed in
761 the claim is located, or in a county where the place of use, or some part of it, is located.
762 (c) The action shall be brought against the claimant to the use of water or the claimant's
763 successor in interest.
764 (d) In any action brought to determine the validity of a claim to the use of water under
765 this section, the claimant shall have the initial burden of proof as to the validity of the claimed
766 right.
767 (e) Any person filing an action challenging the validity of a claim to the use of water
768 under this section shall notify the state engineer of the pendency of the action in a manner
769 prescribed by the state engineer. Upon receipt of the notice, the state engineer may take no

770 action on any change or exchange applications founded on the claim that is the subject of the
771 pending litigation, until the court adjudicates the matter.
772 (f) Upon the entering of any final order or decree in any judicial action to determine the
773 validity of a claim under this section, the prevailing party shall file a certified copy of the order
774 or decree with the state engineer, which shall become part of the state engineer's file on the
775 claim.
776 (7) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board may make rules consistent with this
777 section specifying information required to be included in a claim and claim procedures.
778 Section 23. Section 73-5-15 is amended to read:
779 73-5-15. Groundwater management plan.
780 (1) As used in this section:
781 (a) "Critical management area" means a groundwater basin in which the groundwater
782 withdrawals consistently exceed the safe yield.
783 (b) "Safe yield" means the amount of groundwater that can be withdrawn from a
784 groundwater basin over a period of time without exceeding the long-term recharge of the basin
785 or unreasonably affecting the basin's physical and chemical integrity.
786 (2) (a) The state engineer may regulate groundwater withdrawals within a specific
787 groundwater basin by adopting a groundwater management plan in accordance with this section
788 for any groundwater basin or aquifer or combination of hydrologically connected groundwater
789 basins or aquifers.
790 (b) The objectives of a groundwater management plan are to:
791 (i) limit groundwater withdrawals to safe yield;
792 (ii) protect the physical integrity of the aquifer; and
793 (iii) protect water quality.
794 (c) The state engineer shall adopt a groundwater management plan for a groundwater
795 basin if more than 1/3 of the water right owners in the groundwater basin request that the state
796 engineer adopt a groundwater management plan.
797 (3) (a) In developing a groundwater management plan, the state engineer may consider:
798 (i) the hydrology of the groundwater basin;
799 (ii) the physical characteristics of the groundwater basin;
800 (iii) the relationship between surface water and groundwater, including whether the

801 groundwater should be managed in conjunction with hydrologically connected surface waters;
802 (iv) the geographic spacing and location of groundwater withdrawals;
803 (v) water quality;
804 (vi) local well interference; and
805 (vii) other relevant factors.
806 (b) The state engineer shall base the provisions of a groundwater management plan on
807 the principles of prior appropriation.
808 (c) (i) The state engineer shall use the best available scientific method to determine
809 safe yield.
810 (ii) As hydrologic conditions change or additional information becomes available, safe
811 yield determinations made by the state engineer may be revised by following the procedures
812 listed in Subsection (5).
813 (4) (a) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(b), the withdrawal of water from a
814 groundwater basin shall be limited to the basin's safe yield.
815 (ii) Before limiting withdrawals in a groundwater basin to safe yield, the state engineer
816 shall:
817 (A) determine the groundwater basin's safe yield; and
818 (B) adopt a groundwater management plan for the groundwater basin.
819 (iii) If the state engineer determines that groundwater withdrawals in a groundwater
820 basin exceed the safe yield, the state engineer shall regulate groundwater rights in that
821 groundwater basin based on the priority date of the water rights under the groundwater
822 management plan, unless a voluntary arrangement exists under Subsection (4)(c) that requires a
823 different distribution.
824 (b) When adopting a groundwater management plan for a critical management area, the
825 state engineer shall, based on economic and other impacts to an individual water user or a local
826 community caused by the implementation of safe yield limits on withdrawals, allow gradual
827 implementation of the groundwater management plan.
828 (c) (i) In consultation with the state engineer, water users in a groundwater basin may
829 agree to participate in a voluntary arrangement for managing withdrawals at any time, either
830 before or after a determination that groundwater withdrawals exceed the groundwater basin's
831 safe yield.

832 (ii) A voluntary arrangement under Subsection (4)(c)(i) shall be consistent with other
833 law.
834 (iii) The adoption of a voluntary arrangement under this Subsection (4)(c) by less than
835 all of the water users in a groundwater basin does not affect the rights of water users who do
836 not agree to the voluntary arrangement.
837 (5) To adopt a groundwater management plan, the state engineer shall:
838 (a) give notice as specified in Subsection (7) at least 30 days before the first public
839 meeting held in accordance with Subsection (5)(b):
840 (i) that the state engineer proposes to adopt a groundwater management plan;
841 (ii) describing generally the land area proposed to be included in the groundwater
842 management plan; and
843 (iii) stating the location, date, and time of each public meeting to be held in accordance
844 with Subsection (5)(b);
845 (b) hold one or more public meetings in the geographic area proposed to be included
846 within the groundwater management plan to:
847 (i) address the need for a groundwater management plan;
848 (ii) present any data, studies, or reports that the state engineer intends to consider in
849 preparing the groundwater management plan;
850 (iii) address safe yield and any other subject that may be included in the groundwater
851 management plan;
852 (iv) outline the estimated administrative costs, if any, that groundwater users are likely
853 to incur if the plan is adopted; and
854 (v) receive any public comments and other information presented at the public
855 meeting, including comments from any of the entities listed in Subsection (7)(a)(iii);
856 (c) receive and consider written comments concerning the proposed groundwater
857 management plan from any person for a period determined by the state engineer of not less
858 than 60 days after the day on which the notice required by Subsection (5)(a) is given;
859 (d) (i) at least 60 days prior to final adoption of the groundwater management plan,
860 publish notice:
861 (A) that a draft of the groundwater management plan has been proposed; and
862 (B) specifying where a copy of the draft plan may be reviewed; and

863 (ii) promptly provide a copy of the draft plan in printed or electronic form to each of
864 the entities listed in Subsection (7)(a)(iii) that makes written request for a copy; and
865 (e) provide notice of the adoption of the groundwater management plan.
866 (6) A groundwater management plan shall become effective on the date notice of
867 adoption is completed under Subsection (7), or on a later date if specified in the plan.
868 (7) (a) A notice required by this section shall be:
869 (i) published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general
870 circulation in each county that encompasses a portion of the land area proposed to be included
871 within the groundwater management plan;
872 (ii) published conspicuously on the state engineer's Internet website; and
873 (iii) mailed to each of the following that has within its boundaries a portion of the land
874 area to be included within the proposed groundwater management plan:
875 (A) county;
876 (B) incorporated city or town;
877 (C) improvement district under Title 17B, Chapter 2a, Part 4, Improvement District
878 Act;
879 (D) service area, under Title 17B, Chapter 2a, Part 9, Service Area Act;
880 (E) drainage district, under Title 17B, Chapter 2a, Part 2, Drainage District Act;
881 (F) irrigation district, under Title 17B, Chapter 2a, Part 5, Irrigation District Act;
882 (G) metropolitan water district, under Title 17B, Chapter 2a, Part 6, Metropolitan
883 Water District Act;
884 (H) special service district providing water, sewer, drainage, or flood control services,
885 under Title 17A, Chapter 2, Part 13, Utah Special Service District Act;
886 (I) water conservancy district, under Title 17B, Chapter 2a, Part 10, Water
887 Conservancy District Act; and
888 (J) conservation district, under Title 17A, Chapter 3, Part 8, Conservation Districts.
889 (b) A notice required by this section is effective upon substantial compliance with
890 Subsections (7)(a)(i) through (iii).
891 (8) A groundwater management plan may be amended in the same manner as a
892 groundwater management plan may be adopted under this section.
893 (9) The existence of a groundwater management plan does not preclude any otherwise

894 eligible person from filing any application or challenging any decision made by the state
895 engineer within the affected groundwater basin.
896 (10) (a) A person aggrieved by a groundwater management plan may challenge any
897 aspect of the groundwater management plan by:
898 (i) requesting administrative review by the Water Rights Board in accordance with
899 Section 73-2-31 ; or
900 (ii) filing a complaint within 60 days after the adoption of the groundwater
901 management plan in the district court for any county in which the groundwater basin is found.
902 (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (9), a person may challenge the components of a
903 groundwater management plan only in the manner provided by Subsection (10)(a).
904 (c) An action brought under [this] Subsection (10)(a)(ii) is reviewed de novo by the
905 district court.
906 (d) A person challenging a groundwater management plan under [this] Subsection
907 (10)(a)(ii) shall join the state engineer as a defendant in the action challenging the groundwater
908 management plan.
909 (e) (i) Within 30 days after the day on which a person files an action challenging any
910 aspect of a groundwater management plan under Subsection (10)(a), the person filing the action
911 shall publish notice of the action in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which
912 the district court is located.
913 (ii) The notice required by Subsection (10)(e)(i) shall be published once a week for two
914 consecutive weeks.
915 (iii) The notice required by Subsection (10)(e)(i) shall:
916 (A) identify the groundwater management plan the person is challenging;
917 (B) identify the case number assigned by the district court;
918 (C) state that a person affected by the groundwater management plan may petition the
919 district court to intervene in the action challenging the groundwater management plan; and
920 (D) list the address for the clerk of the district court in which the action is filed.
921 (iv) (A) Any person affected by the groundwater management plan may petition to
922 intervene in the action within 60 days after the day on which notice is last published under
923 Subsections (10)(e)(i) and (ii).
924 (B) The district court's treatment of a petition to intervene under this Subsection

925 (10)(e)(iv) is governed by the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.
926 (v) A district court in which an action is brought under Subsection (10)(a) shall
927 consolidate all actions brought under that Subsection and include in the consolidated action any
928 person whose petition to intervene is granted.
929 (11) A groundwater management plan adopted or amended in accordance with this
930 section is exempt from the requirements in Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative
931 Rulemaking Act.
932 (12) Recharge and recovery projects permitted under Chapter 3b, Groundwater
933 Recharge and Recovery Act, are exempted from this section.
934 (13) Nothing in this section may be interpreted to require the development,
935 implementation, or consideration of a groundwater management plan as a prerequisite or
936 condition to the exercise of the state engineer's enforcement powers under other law, including
937 powers granted under Section 73-2-25 .
938 (14) A groundwater management plan adopted in accordance with this section may not
939 apply to the dewatering of a mine.
940 (15) (a) A groundwater management plan adopted by the state engineer before May 1,
941 2006, remains in force and has the same legal effect as it had on the day on which it was
942 adopted by the state engineer.
943 (b) If a groundwater management plan that existed before May 1, 2006, is amended on
944 or after May 1, 2006, the amendment is subject to this section's provisions.
945 Section 24. Section 73-5a-101 is amended to read:
946 73-5a-101. Power of state engineer to regulate dams -- Water Rights Board rules.
947 (1) The state engineer has the authority to regulate dams for the purpose of protecting
948 public safety.
949 (2) To protect life and property, the [state engineer] Water Rights Board may make
950 rules controlling the construction and operation of dams, including rules controlling:
951 (a) design;
952 (b) maintenance;
953 (c) repair;
954 (d) removal; and
955 (e) abandonment.

956 (3) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board may by rule exempt from this chapter any
957 dam that:
958 (a) impounds less than 20 acre-feet of water and does not constitute a threat to human
959 life if it fails; or
960 (b) does not constitute a threat to human life and would result in only minor damage to
961 property of the owner if it fails.
962 Section 25. Section 73-5a-105 is amended to read:
963 73-5a-105. Independent consultants -- Owner to pay costs.
964 (1) The state engineer may require the owner of a dam or proposed dam to obtain the
965 services of an independent consultant or team of consultants approved by the state engineer to
966 consult regarding the adequacy of the design, construction, or operation of the dam if safety
967 considerations pertaining to the design, construction, or operation of the dam warrant an
968 independent review.
969 (2) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall make rules specifying:
970 (a) the safety considerations that will be considered in determining if an independent
971 review is required;
972 (b) the requisite qualifications and experience of the independent consultants; and
973 (c) the timing of the consultants' review so that their recommendations are made in a
974 timely manner.
975 (3) (a) The independent consultants shall be considered to be the agents of the owner of
976 the dam.
977 (b) The costs of the independent consultants' services shall be paid by the owner of the
978 dam.
979 (c) The owner of the dam may require the independent consultants to consider other
980 issues, in addition to safety considerations, such as:
981 (i) design selections or alternatives;
982 (ii) site selection;
983 (iii) cost effectiveness; or
984 (iv) other tasks as defined by the contract.
985 Section 26. Section 73-5a-203 is amended to read:
986 73-5a-203. Review of plans.

987 (1) The state engineer shall establish a formal written procedure for the review of plans
988 submitted pursuant to Section 73-5a-202 . Plans shall be reviewed according to:
989 (a) design criteria which the [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall specify in rules;
990 and
991 (b) data or criteria generally accepted by the general dam design community.
992 (2) Upon review of the plans, the state engineer will:
993 (a) approve them with appropriate conditions;
994 (b) reject them; or
995 (c) return them for correction.
996 (3) The state engineer shall document each review indicating:
997 (a) how the plans were reviewed; and
998 (b) his evaluation of the plans.
999 Section 27. Section 73-5a-304 is amended to read:
1000 73-5a-304. Final inspection.
1001 (1) Following construction and prior to impounding any water, the state engineer shall
1002 undertake a final inspection of the project.
1003 (2) A written final approval of the project shall be issued if:
1004 (a) the state engineer determines that:
1005 (i) the project was constructed in accordance with plans approved by the state engineer
1006 under Sections 73-5a-203 and 73-5a-303 ; and
1007 (ii) during construction, inspections and tests were conducted as required by Section
1008 73-5a-301 ; and
1009 (b) the emergency action plan and standard operating plan meet the requirements set
1010 forth in rules adopted by the [state engineer] Water Rights Board.
1011 (3) (a) The state engineer may require the owner to:
1012 (i) submit a formal operating plan for the initial filling of the reservoir; or
1013 (ii) follow certain procedures during the initial filling of the reservoir.
1014 (b) Failure to submit the operating plan or follow the specified procedures shall result
1015 in revocation of the final approval.
1016 Section 28. Section 73-5a-401 is amended to read:
1017 73-5a-401. Records and reports.

1018 The [state engineer] Water Rights Board may make rules requiring the owner of any
1019 dam to:
1020 (1) maintain records pertaining to the construction, operation, or maintenance of the
1021 dam; or
1022 (2) submit:
1023 (a) reports to the state engineer regarding maintenance, operation, or instrumentation
1024 readings; or
1025 (b) any other data considered necessary by the state engineer.
1026 Section 29. Section 73-5a-403 is amended to read:
1027 73-5a-403. Contents of standard operating plans.
1028 [By May 1, 1991, the state engineer] The Water Rights Board shall adopt rules
1029 specifying the contents of standard operating plans.
1030 Section 30. Section 73-5a-502 is amended to read:
1031 73-5a-502. Legislative findings -- Immunity from suit -- Minimum standards for
1032 existing high hazard dams -- Exceptions -- Investigations and plans for compliance with
1033 minimum standards.
1034 (1) The Legislature finds that:
1035 (a) it is in the interest of the people of the state to improve the safety of existing dams;
1036 (b) mutual irrigation companies and water users associations cannot afford to bring
1037 dams into conformance with the state's current minimum safety standards without financial
1038 assistance from the state;
1039 (c) due to limited financial, physical, and human resources, it is necessary to establish
1040 priorities for the upgrade of dams; and
1041 (d) the state and its officers and employees are immune from suit for any injury or
1042 damage resulting from the exercise or performance or the failure to exercise or perform any
1043 function pursuant to this chapter.
1044 (2) The [state engineer] Water Rights Board shall establish minimum standards for
1045 existing high hazard dams by rule. The standards for existing high hazard dams may differ
1046 from the design criteria established for new construction.
1047 (3) No seismic standards shall be established for existing high hazard dams within the
1048 flood control use classification.

1049 (4) (a) In implementing this section, the state engineer will develop a priority list of
1050 high hazard dams. The list will be determined by calculating the relative anticipated breach
1051 flows in the event of a dam failure. The dams will be ranked from the largest breach flow to
1052 the smallest for all high hazard dams.
1053 (b) The state engineer shall investigate annually 25 dams on the priority list in order of
1054 their ranking to determine in what areas they are deficient or do not meet minimum standards.
1055 (c) Once a determination is made, the owner will be notified that the owner will be
1056 required to undertake investigations to determine requirements necessary to bring the dam into
1057 compliance with minimum standards.
1058 (d) Once the owner has been informed of the deficiencies of the dam, the owner will be
1059 given 90 days to respond, in writing, as to what steps the owner is taking to investigate the
1060 deficiencies and the time required to complete the investigations.
1061 (e) The state engineer will review the proposal, and if it appears reasonable, will
1062 approve it.
1063 (5) The state engineer may not require any mutual irrigation company or water users
1064 association to upgrade a dam in conformance with minimum standards, unless a grant to pay
1065 for 80% of the costs is made available from the Board of Water Resources.
1066 Section 31. Section 73-5a-602 is amended to read:
1067 73-5a-602. Contents of emergency action plans.
1068 [By May 1, 1991, the state engineer] The Water Rights Board shall adopt rules
1069 specifying the contents of an emergency action plan.
1070 Section 32. Section 73-6-1 is amended to read:
1071 73-6-1. Suspension of right to appropriate -- By proclamation of governor.
1072 For the purpose of preserving the surplus and unappropriated waters of any stream or
1073 other source of water supply for use by irrigation districts and organized agricultural water
1074 users, or for any use whatsoever, when in the judgment of the governor and the [state engineer]
1075 Water Rights Board the welfare of the state demands it, the governor by proclamation may,
1076 upon the recommendation of the [state engineer] Water Rights Board, suspend the right of the
1077 public to appropriate such surplus or unappropriated waters.
1078 Section 33. Section 73-6-2 is amended to read:
1079 73-6-2. Restoration by proclamation -- Priority of applications.

1080 Waters withdrawn from appropriation under this chapter may be restored by
1081 proclamation of the governor upon the recommendation of the [state engineer] Water Rights
1082 Board. Such proclamation shall not become effective until notice thereof has been published at
1083 least once a week for three successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the
1084 boundaries of the river system or water source within which the waters so to be restored are
1085 situated. Applications for appropriations shall not be filed during the time such waters are
1086 withdrawn from appropriation; provided, that after the first publication of notice aforesaid
1087 applications may be deposited with the state engineer and at the time such proclamation
1088 becomes effective the engineer shall hold public hearings, giving all applicants notice, to
1089 determine which applications so filed during the period of publication of such notice are most
1090 conducive to the public good, and shall file such applications in order of priority according to
1091 such determination.
1092 Section 34. Section 73-22-5 is amended to read:
1093 73-22-5. Jurisdiction of division -- Hearings -- Subpoena power -- Restraining
1094 violations -- Actions for damages against violators unaffected.
1095 (1) (a) The division has jurisdiction and authority over all persons and property, public
1096 and private, necessary to enforce the provisions of this chapter [and may enact, issue, and
1097 enforce].
1098 (b) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
1099 Water Rights Board shall make rules necessary [rules and orders] to carry out the requirements
1100 of this chapter.
1101 (2) (a) Any affected person may apply for a hearing before the division, or the division
1102 may initiate proceedings upon any question relating to the administration of this chapter by
1103 following the procedures and requirements of Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures
1104 Act.
1105 (b) The Division of Water Rights shall comply with the procedures and requirements
1106 of Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act, in its adjudicative proceedings.
1107 (3) The division shall have the power to summon witnesses, to administer oaths, and to
1108 require the production of records, books, and documents for examination at any hearing or
1109 investigation conducted by it.
1110 (4) (a) If any person fails or refuses to comply with a subpoena issued by the division,

1111 or if any witness fails or refuses to testify about any matter regarding which he may be
1112 interrogated, the division may petition any district court in the state to issue an order
1113 compelling the person to:
1114 (i) comply with the subpoena and attend before the division;
1115 (ii) produce any records, books, and documents covered by the subpoena; or
1116 (iii) to give testimony.
1117 (b) The court may punish failure to comply with the order as contempt.
1118 (5) (a) Whenever it appears that any person is violating or threatening to violate any
1119 provision of this chapter, or any rule or order made under this chapter, the division may file suit
1120 in the name of the state to restrain that person from continuing the violation or from carrying
1121 out the threat of violation.
1122 (b) Venue for the action is in the district court in the county where any defendant
1123 resides or in the county where the violation is alleged to have occurred.
1124 (6) (a) Nothing in this chapter, no suit by or against the division, and no violation
1125 charged or asserted against any person under this chapter, or any rule or order issued under it,
1126 shall impair, abridge, or delay any cause of action for damages that any person may have or
1127 assert against any person violating this chapter, or any rule or order issued under it.
1128 (b) Any person so damaged by the violation may sue for and recover whatever damages
1129 that he is otherwise entitled to receive.
1130 Section 35. Section 73-22-6 is amended to read:
1131 73-22-6. Information required concerning resource development --
1132 Confidentiality -- Regulation of wells -- Surety bonds -- Inspection.
1133 (1) The division shall have authority to require:
1134 (a) Identification of the location and ownership of all wells and producing geothermal
1135 leases.
1136 (b) Filing with the division of a notice of intent to drill, redrill, deepen, permanently
1137 alter the casing of, or abandon any well. Approval of the notice of intent must be obtained from
1138 the division prior to commencement of operations.
1139 (c) Keeping of well logs and filing true and correct copies with the division. These
1140 records are public records when filed with the division, unless the owner or operator requests,
1141 in writing, that the records be held confidential. The period of confidentiality shall be

1142 established by the division, not to exceed five years from the date of production or injection for
1143 other than testing purposes or five years from the date of abandonment, whichever occurs first,
1144 as determined by the division. Well records held confidential by the division are open to
1145 inspection by those persons authorized in writing by the owner or operator. Confidential status
1146 shall not restrict inspection by state officers charged with regulating well operations or by
1147 authorized officials of the Utah State Tax Commission for purposes of tax assessment.
1148 (d) The spacing, drilling, casing, testing, operating, producing, and abandonment of
1149 wells so as to prevent:
1150 (i) geothermal resources, water, gases, or other fluids from escaping into strata other
1151 than the strata in which they are found (unless in accordance with a subsurface injection
1152 program approved by the division);
1153 (ii) pollution of surface and groundwater;
1154 (iii) premature cooling of any geothermal system by water encroachment or otherwise
1155 which tends to reduce the ultimate economic recovery of the geothermal resources;
1156 (iv) blowouts, cave-ins, and seepage; and
1157 (v) unreasonable disturbance or injury to neighboring properties, prior water rights,
1158 human life, health, and the environment.
1159 (e) The operator to file cash or individual surety bonds with the division for each new
1160 well drilled and each abandoned well redrilled. The amount of surety required shall be
1161 determined by the [division] Water Rights Board. In lieu of bonds for separate wells, the
1162 operator may file a blanket cash or individual surety bond in an amount set by the division to
1163 cover all the operator's drilling, redrilling, deepening, maintenance, or abandonment activities
1164 for wells in the state. Bonds filed with the division shall be executed by the operator, as
1165 principal, conditioned on compliance with division regulations in drilling, redrilling,
1166 deepening, maintaining, or abandoning any well or wells covered by the bond and shall secure
1167 the state against all losses, charges, and expenses incurred by it to obtain such compliance by
1168 the principal named in the bond.
1169 (f) The geothermal owner or operator to measure geothermal production according to
1170 standards set by the division and maintain complete and accurate production records. The
1171 records, or certified copies of them, shall be preserved on file by the owner or operator for a
1172 period of five years and shall be available for examination by the division at all reasonable

1173 times.
1174 (g) Filing with the division any other reasonable reports which it prescribes regarding
1175 geothermal operations within the state.
1176 (2) Any bond filed with the division in conformance with this chapter may, with the
1177 consent of the division, be terminated and canceled and the surety be relieved of all obligations
1178 under it when the well or wells covered by the bond have been properly abandoned or another
1179 valid bond has been substituted for it.
1180 (3) The division may enter onto private or public land at any time to inspect any well or
1181 geothermal resource development project to determine if the well or project is being
1182 constructed, operated, or maintained according to any applicable permits or to determine if the
1183 construction, operation, or maintenance of the well or project may involve an unreasonable risk
1184 to life, health, property, the environment or subsurface, surface, or atmospheric resources.
1185 Section 36. Section 73-22-10 is amended to read:
1186 73-22-10. Judicial and administrative review of division actions -- Falsification or
1187 omission of filings as misdemeanor -- Limitation of actions.
1188 (1) (a) Any person aggrieved by any order issued under this chapter may obtain:
1189 (i) administrative review by the Water Rights Board in accordance with Section
1190 73-2-31 ; or
1191 (ii) judicial review.
1192 (b) Venue for judicial review of informal adjudicative proceedings is in the district
1193 court of Salt Lake County, or in the district court of the county in which the complaining
1194 person resides.
1195 (2) An action or appeal involving any provision of this chapter, or a rule or order
1196 issued under it shall be determined as expeditiously as possible.
1197 (3) Any person who, for the purpose of evading this chapter or any order of the
1198 division issued under it, makes or causes to be made any false entry in any report, record,
1199 account, or memorandum required by this chapter, or by any order issued under it, or omits or
1200 causes to be omitted from the report, record, account, or memorandum, full, true, and correct
1201 entries as required by this chapter, or by an order, or removes from this state or destroys,
1202 mutilates, alters, or falsifies the record, account, or memorandum, is guilty of a class A
1203 misdemeanor.

1204 (4) No suit, action, or other proceeding based upon a violation of this chapter or any
1205 order of the division issued under it may be begun or maintained unless the action is begun
1206 within two years from the date of the alleged violation.