Division of Water Rights

WaterRights.utah.gov

Proof of Beneficial Use of Water(proof)

Frank Quintana, P.E.Thursday, April 25th, 2013

1.What is proof?2.What options does the applicant

have when proof is due?3.What to review before preparing

a proof for a municipality

Topics to cover

What is proof of beneficial use ofwater?

ExampleWater Right Number 22-2222

Application = Proposal

• Quantity of Water

• Point of Diversion– Water source (well, spring, river, etc)– Location– Diverting works– Flow

• Nature of Use– Irrigation 5.0 acres– Domestic 1 family– Stock watering 20 ELU

• Place of Use– NE¼SE¼ of Section 10,

T 10N, R 10W, SLB&M

ELU = Equivalent Livestock Units

1. Application to Appropriate Water2. Change Application• Based on existing water right(s)• Based on shares of stock

3. Exchange Application• Based on a valid contract

3 Applications Require Proof

When the State Engineer approvesan application, he stipulates

a proof-due date

There are two forms tosubmit proof

Form No. 1Proof of Beneficial Use of Water• A professional engineer

or surveyor must prepare it• Applicable to ALL applications

Form No. 2Affidavit of Beneficial Use of Water• Applicant prepare it• Applicable ONLY to “Small

Amount of Water” applications

Small Amount of WaterApplication

• Irrigation of ¼ acre• Domestic of 1 family• Stock watering of 10 Equivalent

livestock units

Proof of beneficial use means ACTUAL use; use as it exists when a proof is

prepared

It doesn’t mean future use

ExampleWater Right Number 22-2222

Application = Proposal

• Quantity of Water

• Point of Diversion– Water source (well, spring, river, etc)– Location– Diverting works– Flow

• Nature of Use– Irrigation 5.0 acres– Domestic 1 family– Stock watering 20 ELU

• Place of Use– NE¼SE¼ of Section 10,

T 10N, R 10W, SLB&M

ELU = Equivalent Livestock Units

What options does the applicanthave when proof is due?

ExampleWater Right Number 22-2222

Application = Proposal

• Quantity of Water

• Point of Diversion– Water source (well, spring, river, etc)– Location– Diverting works– Flow

• Nature of Use– Irrigation 5.0 acres– Domestic 1 family– Stock watering 20 ELU

• Place of Use– NE¼SE¼ of Section 10,

T 10N, R 10W, SLB&M

ELU = Equivalent Livestock Units

ExampleWater Right Number 22-2222

Application

• Quantity of Water• Point of Diversion

– Well

• Nature of Use– Irrigation 5.0 acres– Domestic 1 family– Stock watering 20 ELU

• Place of Use– NE¼SE¼ of Section 10,

T 10N, R 10W, SLB&M

Actual Use

• Quantity of Water• Point of Diversion

– Well

• Nature of Use– Irrigation 3.0 acres– Domestic 1 family– Stock watering 10 ELU

• Place of Use– NE¼SE¼ of Section 10,

T 10N, R 10W, SLB&M

ELU = Equivalent Livestock Units

1. Submit proof2. File an extension request3. Segregate the undeveloped portion• File proof on developed portion• File an extension on segregation

Possible Options Available

What to review before preparinga proof for a municipality

Step No. 1Review Water Use Data

Year Amount Reported (acre-feet)2012 29 0002011 27 0002010 30 0002009 28 0002008 26 000

Highest amount reported: 30 000 acre-feet

Step No. 2 (Scenario One)Review perfected and

unperfected water rights

Perfected UnperfectedWater Right

NumberQuantity of Water Water Right

NumberQuantity of Water

22-2221 15 000 22-2224 20 000

22-2222 5 000 22-2225 10 000

22-2223 10 000 22-2226 15 000

Total 30 000 Total 45 000

Step No. 2 (Scenario Two)Review perfected and

unperfected water rights

Perfected UnperfectedWater Right

NumberQuantity of Water Water Right

NumberQuantity of Water

22-2221 15 000 22-2224 20 000

22-2222 5 000 22-2225 10 000

22-2223 5 000 22-2226 15 000

Total 25 000 Total 45 000

If the amount of water reported tothe Water Use Program exceeds

the amount certificated under theperfected rights, a proof can be submitted

for up to the difference between thetwo amounts

Summary1. Proofs and affidavits are evidence of ACTUAL uses

2. Options available when proof is due:a) Submit proofb) Request an extension of timec) File a segregation request to separate any future

development, then:a) File proof on developed portionb) File extension request on undeveloped portion

3. Municipal Proof review:a) Review the “Water User Data” submitted to

“Water Use Program” of the Division of Water Rightsb) Review and do an accounting of the perfected and unperfected

water rights of the applicantc) If the amount of water reported to the Water Use

Program exceeds the amount certificated under theperfected rights, a proof can be submitted for up tothe difference between the two amounts