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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill addresses regulation of the uses of water.
10 Highlighted Provisions:
11 This bill:
12 ▸ addresses fees;
13 ▸ modifies definition provisions;
14 ▸ addresses references to changes;
15 ▸ addresses the state engineer's actions related to split season or other potentially
16 complicated changes;
17 ▸ amends the exemption related to proof of appropriation or change;
18 ▸ addresses change application for instream flow; and
19 ▸ makes technical and conforming amendments.
20 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
21 None
22 Other Special Clauses:
23 None
24 Utah Code Sections Affected:
25 AMENDS:
26 73-2-14, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2017, Chapter 76
27 73-3-3, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2015, Chapters 245, 249, 251, 298 and last
28 amended by Coordination Clause, Laws of Utah 2015, Chapter 249
29 73-3-5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2001, Chapter 136
30 73-3-8, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2019, Chapter 366
31 73-3-16, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 221
32 73-3-30, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapter 379
33
34 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
35 Section 1. Section 73-2-14 is amended to read:
36 73-2-14. Fees of state engineer -- Deposited as a dedicated credit.
37 (1) The state engineer shall charge fees pursuant to Section 63J-1-504 for the
38 following:
39 (a) applications to appropriate water;
40 (b) applications to temporarily appropriate water;
41 (c) applications for [
42 (d) applications for exchange;
43 (e) applications for nonuse of water;
44 (f) applications to appropriate water, or make a [
45 use outside the state filed pursuant to Title 73, Chapter 3a, Water Exports;
46 (g) groundwater recovery permits;
47 (h) diligence claims for surface or underground water filed pursuant to Section
48 73-5-13;
49 (i) republication of notice to water users after amendment of application where
50 required by this title;
51 (j) applications to segregate;
52 (k) requests for an extension of time in which to submit proof of appropriation not to
53 exceed 14 years after the date of approval of the application;
54 (l) requests for an extension of time in which to submit proof of appropriation 14 years
55 or more after the date of approval of the application;
56 (m) groundwater recharge permits;
57 (n) applications for a well driller's license, annual renewal of a well driller's license,
58 and late annual renewal of a well driller's license;
59 (o) certification of copies;
60 (p) preparing copies of documents;
61 (q) reports of water right conveyance; and
62 (r) requests for a livestock water use certificate under Section 73-3-31.
63 (2) Fees for the services specified in Subsections (1)(a) through (i) shall be based upon
64 the rate of flow or volume of water. If it is proposed to appropriate by both direct flow and
65 storage, the fee shall be based upon either the rate of flow or annual volume of water stored,
66 whichever fee is greater.
67 (3) Fees collected under this section:
68 (a) shall be deposited in the General Fund as a dedicated credit to be used by the
69 Division of Water Rights; and
70 (b) may only be used by the Division of Water Rights to:
71 (i) meet the publication of notice requirements under this title;
72 (ii) process reports of water right conveyance;
73 (iii) process a request for a livestock water use certificate; and
74 (iv) hire an employee to assist with processing an application.
75 Section 2. Section 73-3-3 is amended to read:
76 73-3-3. Changes to a water right.
77 (1) For purposes of this section:
78 (a) "Change" means a change to the:
79 (i) point of diversion;
80 (ii) place of use;
81 (iii) period of use;
82 (iv) nature of use; or
83 (v) storage of water.
84 (b) "Fixed time change" means a change for a fixed period of time exceeding one year
85 and not exceeding 10 years.
86 [
87 [
88 [
89 [
90 [
91 [
92 [
93 (i) the holder of an approved but unperfected application to appropriate water;
94 (ii) the record owner of a perfected water right;
95 (iii) a person who has written authorization from a person described in Subsection
96 (1)[
97 (iv) a shareholder in a water company who is authorized to file a change application in
98 accordance with Section 73-3-3.5.
99 [
100 person is able to receive in order to satisfy an existing right to the use of water that would result
101 from an action proposed in a change application, including:
102 (A) diminishing the quantity of water in the source of supply for the existing right;
103 (B) a change in the timing of availability of water from the source of supply for the
104 existing right; or
105 (C) enlarging the quantity of water depleted by the nature of the proposed use when
106 compared with the nature of the currently approved use.
107 (ii) "Quantity impairment" does not mean a decrease in the static level of water in an
108 underground basin or aquifer that would result from an action proposed to be taken in a change
109 application, if the volume of water necessary to satisfy an existing right otherwise remains
110 reasonably available.
111 (f) "Split season change" means a change when the holder of a perfected right grants to
112 a water user the right to make sequential use of a portion of the water right.
113 [
114 exceeding one year[
115 [
116 [
117 [
118 [
119 [
120 (2) (a) A person who proposes to file a [
121 may request consultation with the state engineer, or the state engineer's designee, before filing
122 the application [
123 potential issues related to the change, and provide the applicant with information.
124 (b) Statements made and information presented in the consultation are not binding on
125 the applicant or the state engineer.
126 (c) The consultation described in Subsection (2)(a) may occur in the state engineer's
127 regional office for the region where the proposed change would occur.
128 (3) (a) A person entitled to the use of water may make a [
129 change to an existing right to use water, including a right involved in a general determination
130 of rights or other suit, if:
131 (i) the person makes the change in accordance with this section;
132 (ii) except as provided by Section 73-3-30, the change does not impair an existing right
133 without just compensation or adequate mitigation; and
134 (iii) the state engineer approves the change application, consistent with [
135
136 (b) A change application on a federal reclamation project water right shall be signed
137 by:
138 (i) the local water users organization that is contractually responsible for:
139 (A) the operation and maintenance of the project; or
140 (B) the repayment of project costs; and
141 (ii) the record owner of the water right.
142 (c) A change application on a United States Indian Irrigation Service water right that is
143 serving the needs of a township or municipality shall be signed by:
144 (i) the local public water supplier that is responsible for the operation and maintenance
145 of the public water supply system; and
146 (ii) the record owner of the water right.
147 (4) (a) Before making a [
148 of water shall submit a change application upon forms furnished by the state engineer.
149 (b) The application described in Subsection (4)(a) shall include:
150 (i) the applicant's name;
151 (ii) the water right description, including the water right number;
152 (iii) the water quantity;
153 (iv) the stream or water source;
154 (v) if applicable, the point on the stream or water source where the water is diverted;
155 (vi) if applicable, the point to which it is proposed to change the diversion of the water;
156 (vii) the place, nature, period, and extent of the currently approved use;
157 (viii) the place, nature, period, and extent of the proposed use;
158 (ix) if the change applicant is submitting a change application in accordance with
159 Section 73-3-3.5, the information required by Section 73-3-3.5;
160 (x) any proposed change to the storage of water; and
161 (xi) any other information that the state engineer requires.
162 (c) A shareholder in a water company who seeks to make a [
163 change to a water right to which the water company is the record owner shall file a change
164 application in accordance with Section 73-3-3.5.
165 (5) In a proceeding before the state engineer, the applicant has the burden of producing
166 evidence sufficient to support a reasonable belief that the change can be made in compliance
167 with this section and Section 73-3-8, including evidence:
168 (a) that the change will not cause a specific existing right to experience quantity
169 impairment; or
170 (b) if applicable, rebutting the presumption of quantity impairment described in
171 Subsection 73-3-8(6)(c).
172 (6) A change of an approved application to appropriate water does not:
173 (a) affect the priority of the original application to appropriate water; or
174 (b) extend the time period within which the construction of work is to begin or be
175 completed.
176 (7) Any person who makes a [
177 obtaining approval of a change application providing for [
178 (a) obtains no right by the change;
179 (b) is guilty of an offense punishable under Section 73-2-27 if the change is made
180 knowingly or intentionally; and
181 (c) shall comply with the change application process.
182 (8) (a) This section does not apply to the replacement of an existing well by a new well
183 drilled within a radius of 150 feet from the point of diversion of the existing well.
184 (b) [
185 Section 73-3-28.
186 Section 3. Section 73-3-5 is amended to read:
187 73-3-5. Action by engineer on applications.
188 (1) On receipt of [
189 73-3-2, and payment of the filing fee, [
190
191 a record of [
192 (2) [
193 determine whether any corrections, amendments or changes are required for clarity and if so,
194 see that such changes are made before further processing. The state engineer may not construe
195 an application for a split season change or other potentially complicated change as incomplete
196 or unacceptable if the application satisfies the filing requirements under Section 73-3-3 and
197 payment of the respective filing fee is made.
198 (3) [
199
200 recorded.
201 (4) The state engineer may issue a temporary receipt to drill a well at any time after the
202 filing of an application to appropriate water [
203 section if [
204 unappropriated water available in the proposed source and there is no likelihood of impairment
205 of existing rights[
206
207 of [
208 (5) The state engineer may send the necessary notices and address [
209 relating to [
210 or to [
211 engineer's office.
212 Section 4. Section 73-3-8 is amended to read:
213 73-3-8. Approval or rejection of application -- Requirements for approval --
214 Application for specified period of time -- Filing of royalty contract for removal of salt or
215 minerals -- Request for agency action.
216 (1) (a) It shall be the duty of the state engineer to approve an application if there is
217 reason to believe that:
218 (i) for an application to appropriate, there is unappropriated water in the proposed
219 source;
220 (ii) the proposed use will not impair existing rights or interfere with the more
221 beneficial use of the water;
222 (iii) the proposed plan:
223 (A) is physically and economically feasible, unless the application is filed by the
224 United States Bureau of Reclamation; and
225 (B) would not prove detrimental to the public welfare;
226 (iv) the applicant has the financial ability to complete the proposed works;
227 (v) the application was filed in good faith and not for purposes of speculation or
228 monopoly; and
229 (vi) if applicable, the application complies with a groundwater management plan
230 adopted under Section 73-5-15.
231 (b) If the state engineer, because of information in the state engineer's possession
232 obtained either by the state engineer's own investigation or otherwise, has reason to believe that
233 an application will interfere with the water's more beneficial use for irrigation, municipal and
234 industrial, domestic or culinary, stock watering, power or mining development, or
235 manufacturing, or will unreasonably affect public recreation or the natural stream environment,
236 or will prove detrimental to the public welfare, the state engineer shall withhold approval or
237 rejection of the application until the state engineer has investigated the matter.
238 (c) If an application does not meet the requirements of this section, it shall be rejected.
239 (2) (a) An application to appropriate water for industrial, power, mining development,
240 manufacturing purposes, agriculture, or municipal purposes may be approved for a specific and
241 certain period from the time the water is placed to beneficial use under the application, but in
242 no event may an application be granted for a period of time less than that ordinarily needed to
243 satisfy the essential and primary purpose of the application or until the water is no longer
244 available as determined by the state engineer.
245 (b) At the expiration of the period fixed by the state engineer the water shall revert to
246 the public and is subject to appropriation as provided by this title.
247 (c) No later than 60 calendar days before the expiration date of the fixed time period,
248 the state engineer shall send notice by mail or by any form of electronic communication
249 through which receipt is verifiable, to the applicant of record.
250 (d) Except as provided by Subsection (2)(e), the state engineer may extend any limited
251 water right upon a showing that:
252 (i) the essential purpose of the original application has not been satisfied;
253 (ii) the need for an extension is not the result of any default or neglect by the applicant;
254 and
255 (iii) the water is still available.
256 (e) [
257 primary purpose of the original application.
258 (f) A request for extension of the fixed time period must be filed in writing in the
259 office of the state engineer on or before the expiration date of the application.
260 (3) (a) Before the approval of any application for the appropriation of water from
261 navigable lakes or streams of the state that contemplates the recovery of salts and other
262 minerals therefrom by precipitation or otherwise, the applicant shall file with the state engineer
263 a copy of a contract for the payment of royalties to the state.
264 (b) The approval of an application shall be revoked [
265 the applicant fails to comply with terms of the royalty contract.
266 (4) (a) The state engineer shall investigate all temporary change applications.
267 (b) The state engineer shall:
268 (i) approve the temporary change if the state engineer finds there is reason to believe
269 that [
270 (ii) deny the temporary change if the state engineer finds there is reason to believe [
271 the temporary change would impair an existing right.
272 (5) (a) With respect to a change application for a permanent or fixed time change:
273 (i) the state engineer shall follow the same procedures provided in this title for
274 approving an application to appropriate water; and
275 (ii) the rights and duties of a change applicant are the same as the rights and duties of a
276 person who applies to appropriate water under this title.
277 (b) The state engineer may waive notice for a permanent or fixed time change
278 application if the application only involves a change in point of diversion of 660 feet or less.
279 (c) The state engineer may condition approval of a change application to prevent an
280 enlargement of the quantity of water depleted by the nature of the proposed use when compared
281 with the nature of the currently approved use of water proposed to be changed.
282 (d) A condition described in Subsection (5)(c) may not include a reduction in the
283 currently approved diversion rate of water under the water right identified in the change
284 application solely to account for the difference in depletion under the nature of the proposed
285 use when compared with the nature of the currently approved use.
286 (6) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (6)(b), the state engineer shall reject a
287 permanent or fixed time change application if the person proposing to make the change is
288 unable to meet the burden described in Subsection 73-3-3(5).
289 (b) If otherwise proper, the state engineer may approve a [
290 change application upon one or more of the following conditions:
291 (i) for part of the water involved;
292 (ii) that the applicant acquire a conflicting right; or
293 (iii) that the applicant provide and implement a plan approved by the state engineer to
294 mitigate impairment of an existing right.
295 (c) (i) There is a rebuttable presumption of quantity impairment, as defined in
296 [
297 consecutive years, a portion of the right identified in a change application has not been:
298 (A) diverted from the approved point of diversion; or
299 (B) beneficially used at the approved place of use.
300 (ii) The rebuttable presumption described in Subsection (6)(c)(i) does not apply if the
301 beneficial use requirement is excused by:
302 (A) Subsection 73-1-4(2)(e);
303 (B) an approved nonuse application under Subsection 73-1-4(2)(b);
304 (C) Subsection 73-3-30(7); or
305 (D) the passage of time under Subsection 73-1-4(2)(c)(i).
306 (d) The state engineer may not consider quantity impairment based on the conditions
307 described in Subsection (6)(c) unless the issue is raised in a:
308 (i) timely protest that identifies which of the protestant's existing rights the protestant
309 reasonably believes will experience quantity impairment; or
310 (ii) written notice provided by the state engineer to the applicant within 90 days after
311 the change application is filed.
312 (e) The written notice described in Subsection (6)(d)(ii) shall:
313 (i) specifically identify an existing right the state engineer reasonably believes may
314 experience quantity impairment; and
315 (ii) be mailed to the owner of an identified right, as shown by the state engineer's
316 records, if the owner has not protested the change application.
317 (f) The state engineer is not required to include all rights the state engineer believes
318 may be impaired by the proposed change in the written notice described in Subsection
319 (6)(d)(ii).
320 (g) The owner of a right who receives the written notice described in Subsection
321 (6)(d)(ii) may not become a party to the administrative proceeding if the owner has not filed a
322 timely protest.
323 (h) If a change applicant, [
324 state engineer under Subsection (6)(d)(ii) come to a written agreement regarding how the issue
325 of quantity impairment shall be mitigated, the state engineer may incorporate the terms of the
326 agreement into a change application approval.
327 Section 5. Section 73-3-16 is amended to read:
328 73-3-16. Proof of appropriation or change -- Notice -- Manner of proof --
329 Statements -- Maps, profiles, and drawings -- Verification -- Waiver of filing -- Statement
330 in lieu of proof of appropriation or change.
331 (1) Sixty days before the date set for the proof of appropriation or proof of change to be
332 made, the state engineer shall notify the applicant by mail when proof of completion of the
333 works and application of the water to a beneficial use is due.
334 (2) On or before the date set for completing the proof in accordance with the
335 application, the applicant shall file proof with the state engineer on forms furnished by the state
336 engineer.
337 (3) Except as provided in Subsection (4), the applicant shall submit the following
338 information:
339 (a) a description of the works constructed;
340 (b) the quantity of water in acre-feet or the flow in second-feet diverted, or both;
341 (c) the method of applying the water to beneficial use; and
342 (d) (i) detailed measurements of water put to beneficial use;
343 (ii) the date the measurements were made; and
344 (iii) the name of the person making the measurements.
345 (4) (a) (i) On applications filed for appropriation or permanent change of use of water
346 to provide a water supply for state projects constructed pursuant to Title 73, Chapter 10, Board
347 of Water Resources - Division of Water Resources, or for federal projects constructed by the
348 United States Bureau of Reclamation for the use and benefit of the state, any of its agencies, its
349 political subdivisions, public and quasi-municipal corporations, or water users' associations of
350 which the state, its agencies, political subdivisions, or public and quasi-municipal corporations
351 are stockholders, the proof shall include:
352 (A) a statement indicating construction of the project works has been completed;
353 (B) a description of the major features with appropriate maps, profiles, drawings, and
354 reservoir area-capacity curves;
355 (C) a description of the point or points of diversion and rediversion;
356 (D) project operation data;
357 (E) a map showing the place of use of water and a statement of the purpose and method
358 of use;
359 (F) the project plan for beneficial use of water under the applications and the quantity
360 of water required; and
361 (G) a statement indicating what type of measuring devices have been installed.
362 (ii) The director of the Division of Water Resources shall sign proofs for the state
363 projects and an authorized official of the Bureau of Reclamation shall sign proofs for the
364 federal projects specified in Subsection (4)(a)(i).
365 (b) Proof on an application for appropriation or permanent change for a surface storage
366 facility in excess of 1,000 acre-feet constructed by a public water supplier to provide a water
367 supply for the reasonable requirements of the public shall include:
368 (i) a description of the completed water storage facility;
369 (ii) a description of the major project features and appropriate maps, profiles, drawings,
370 and reservoir area-capacity curves as required by the state engineer;
371 (iii) the quantity of water stored in acre-feet;
372 (iv) a description of the water distribution facility for the delivery of the water; and
373 (v) the project plan for beneficial use of water including any existing contracts for
374 water delivery.
375 (5) The proof on all applications shall be sworn to by the applicant or the applicant's
376 appointed representative.
377 (6) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (6)(b), when filing proof, the applicant shall
378 submit maps, profiles, and drawings made by a Utah licensed land surveyor or Utah licensed
379 professional engineer that show:
380 (i) the location of the completed works;
381 (ii) the nature and extent of the completed works;
382 (iii) the natural stream or source from which and the point where the water is diverted
383 and, in the case of a nonconsumptive use, the point where the water is returned; and
384 (iv) the place of use.
385 (b) The state engineer may waive the filing of maps, profiles, and drawings if in the
386 state engineer's opinion the written proof adequately describes the works and the nature and
387 extent of beneficial use.
388 (7) In those areas in which general determination proceedings are pending, or have
389 been concluded, under Title 73, Chapter 4, Determination of Water Rights, the state engineer
390 may petition the district court for permission to:
391 (a) waive the requirements of this section and Section 73-3-17; and
392 (b) permit each owner of an application to file a verified statement to the effect that the
393 applicant has completed the appropriation or change and elects to file a statement of water
394 users claim in the proposed determination of water rights or any supplement to it in accordance
395 with Title 73, Chapter 4, Determination of Water Rights, in lieu of proof of appropriation or
396 proof of change.
397 (8) This section does not apply to [
398
399 Section 6. Section 73-3-30 is amended to read:
400 73-3-30. Change application for an instream flow.
401 (1) As used in this section:
402 (a) "Division" means the Division of Wildlife Resources, created in Section 23-14-1,
403 or the Division of Parks and Recreation, created in Section 79-4-201.
404 (b) "Fishing group" means an organization that:
405 (i) is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code; and
406 (ii) promotes fishing opportunities in the state.
407 [
408
409
410 (2) (a) A division may file a [
411 by Section 73-3-3, for the purpose of providing water for an instream flow, within a specified
412 section of a natural or altered stream channel, necessary within the state for:
413 (i) the propagation of fish;
414 (ii) public recreation; or
415 (iii) the reasonable preservation or enhancement of the natural stream environment.
416 (b) A division may file a change application on:
417 (i) a perfected water right:
418 (A) presently owned by the division;
419 (B) purchased by the division for the purpose of providing water for an instream flow,
420 through funding provided for that purpose by legislative appropriation; or
421 (C) acquired by lease, agreement, gift, exchange, or contribution; or
422 (ii) an appurtenant water right acquired with the acquisition of real property by the
423 division.
424 (c) A division may:
425 (i) purchase a water right for the purposes provided in Subsection (2)(a) only with
426 funds specifically appropriated by the Legislature for water rights purchases; or
427 (ii) accept a donated water right without legislative approval.
428 (d) A division may not acquire water rights by eminent domain for an instream flow or
429 for any other purpose.
430 (3) (a) A fishing group may file a fixed time change application on a perfected,
431 consumptive water right for the purpose of providing water for an instream flow, within a
432 specified section of a natural or altered stream channel, to protect or restore habitat for three
433 native trout:
434 (i) the Bonneville cutthroat;
435 (ii) the Colorado River cutthroat; or
436 (iii) the Yellowstone cutthroat.
437 (b) Before filing an application authorized by Subsection (3)(a) to change a
438 shareholder's proportionate share of water, the water company shall submit the decision to
439 approve or deny the change request required by Subsection 73-3-3.5(3) to a vote of the
440 shareholders:
441 (i) in a manner outlined in the water company's articles of incorporation or bylaws;
442 (ii) at an annual or regular meeting described in Section 16-6a-701; or
443 (iii) at a special meeting convened under Section 16-6a-702.
444 (c) The specified section of the natural or altered stream channel for the instream flow
445 may not be further upstream than the water right's original point of diversion nor extend further
446 downstream than the next physical point of diversion made by another person.
447 (d) The fishing group shall receive the Division of Wildlife Resources' director's
448 approval of the proposed change before filing the fixed time change application with the state
449 engineer.
450 (e) The director of the Division of Wildlife Resources may approve a proposed change
451 if:
452 (i) the specified section of the stream channel is historic or current habitat for a species
453 listed in Subsections (3)(a)(i) through (iii);
454 (ii) the proposed purpose of use is consistent with an existing state management or
455 recovery plan for that species; and
456 (iii) the fishing group has:
457 (A) entered into a programmatic Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances
458 with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, as authorized by 16 U.S.C. Secs. 1531(a)(5)
459 and 1536(a)(1), that gives the water right holder the option to receive an enhancement of
460 survival permit, as authorized by 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1539(a)(1)(A), or a certificate of inclusion, for
461 a fixed time change application that benefits a candidate species of trout; or
462 (B) until a programmatic Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances
463 described in Subsection (3)(e)(iii)(A) becomes valid and enforceable, entered into a contract
464 with the water right holder agreeing to defend and indemnify the water right holder for liability
465 under Section 1538(a) of the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. Secs. 1531 through 1544, for
466 an action taken by the water right holder under the terms of the water right holder's agreement
467 with the fishing group for a fixed time change application.
468 (f) The director may deny a proposed change if the proposed change would not be in
469 the public's interest.
470 (g) (i) In considering a fixed time change application, the state engineer shall follow
471 the same procedures as provided in this title for an application to appropriate water.
472 (ii) The rights and the duties of a fixed time change applicant are the same as provided
473 in this title for an applicant to appropriate water.
474 (h) A fishing group may refile a fixed time change application by filing a written
475 request with the state engineer no later than 60 days before the application expires.
476 (i) (i) The water right for which the state engineer has approved a fixed time change
477 application will automatically revert to the point of diversion and place and purpose of use that
478 existed before the approved fixed time change application when the fixed time change
479 application expires or is terminated.
480 (ii) The applicant shall give written notice to the state engineer and the lessor, if
481 applicable, if the applicant wishes to terminate a fixed time change application before the fixed
482 time change application expires.
483 (4) In addition to the requirements of Section 73-3-3, an application authorized by this
484 section shall:
485 (a) set forth the legal description of the points on the stream channel between which the
486 instream flow will be provided by the change application; and
487 (b) include appropriate studies, reports, or other information required by the state
488 engineer demonstrating the necessity for the instream flow in the specified section of the
489 stream and the projected benefits to the public resulting from the change.
490 (5) (a) For a permanent change application or a fixed time change application filed
491 according to this section, 60 days before the date on which proof of change for an instream
492 flow is due, the state engineer shall notify the applicant by mail or by any form of
493 communication through which receipt is verifiable of the date when proof of change is due.
494 (b) Before the date when proof of change is due, the applicant must either:
495 (i) file a verified statement with the state engineer that the instream flow uses have
496 been perfected, setting forth:
497 (A) the legal description of the points on the stream channel between which the
498 instream flow is provided;
499 (B) detailed measurements of the flow of water in second-feet changed;
500 (C) the period of use; and
501 (D) any additional information required by the state engineer; or
502 (ii) apply for a further extension of time as provided for in Section 73-3-12.
503 (c) (i) Upon acceptance of the verified statement required under Subsection (5)(b)(i),
504 the state engineer shall issue a certificate of change for instream flow use in accordance with
505 Section 73-3-17.
506 (ii) The certificate expires at the same time the fixed time change application expires.
507 (6) [
508 the purpose of providing an instream flow.
509 (7) Water used in accordance with this section is considered to be beneficially used, as
510 required by Section 73-3-1.
511 (8) A physical structure or physical diversion from the stream is not required to
512 implement a change for instream flow use.
513 (9) This section does not allow enlargement of the water right that the applicant seeks
514 to change.
515 (10) A change application authorized by this section may not impair a vested water
516 right, including a water right used to generate hydroelectric power.
517 (11) The state engineer or the water commissioner shall distribute water under an
518 approved or a certificated instream flow change application according to the change
519 application's priority date relative to the other water rights located within the stream section
520 specified in the change application for instream flow.
521 (12) An approved fixed time change application does not create a right of access across
522 private property or allow any infringement of a private property right.