2006 Utah Water Law Pipelines, Politics and Permitting Current Water Rights Issues

2006 Utah Water LawPipelines, Politics and Permitting

Current Water Rights Issues

Jerry OldsState Engineer

Population Growth & Water

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2005 2020 2040

Pop

• Current Population2.5 Million

• Estimated Population2020 - 3.5 Million2050 - 5.4 Million

Estimated Water Conversion 2020 – 125,000 AF 2050 – 324,000 AF

Population Projections• 96% Increase

Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Iron, Morgan, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, Utah, Wasatch, Washington & Weber

• Fastest Growing - % Washington, Morgan & Summit

State Engineer’s

WaterAppropriation

Policy

Throughout Utah we are going from growing alfalfa to growing houses

Who Can Hold Municipal Water Rights?

• State of Utah (Agency)• Political Subdivision of the State

(Cities, Towns & Special Districts)• US Bureau of Reclamation (SB 177)

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Annual Water Use Data

Annual Diversion

Typical Growth in Municipal Water Use

Water Rights Summary• Year-round, CFS only, Certificated for Mun Use• 70-10 Canyon Spring .45 CFS• 70-20 Left Fork Spring .07 CFS• 70-30 City Spring .155 CFS• 70-100 City Hall Well 1.00 CFS

Total 1.675 CFS1220 AF

Current use = 450 AF/YrSpring flow decreases during late summer.

Water Availability Study• Water demand – 5 yrs, 450 to 650 AF• July 120 AF and August 100 AF• Combined spring flow

Drops from .675 cfs to .30 cfs• Springs ~ 20 AF, Well ~ 60 AF = 80 AF/Month• Global change application• Enlargement

Municipal Water Rights

• Increase in municipal water use• Water rights - public water suppliers• Future water needs• Certainty• Flexibility • Define municipal water rights• Proper management

Report of Water Rights Conveyance• Statutory modification - 2000• Water user required to file ROC• $25 filing fee• In FY 06 – over 3400 ROCs• Increased workload Report of Water Rights Conveyance

REPORT OF WATER RIGHT CONVEYANCES

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Water Right Title Issues • DWRights is NOT office of record for ownership• Recording of deeds and timely filing ROC

Water rights sold more than once• Diligence & UGW claims

Prima faca evidenceClaim filed for 80 acres Field exam show 20 acresTen ROCs on file for 60 acres

Owner still holds 20 acres• How should ROCs for claims be handled?

Utah’s Apportionment (23%) 1,369,000 AF

Current Depletion 1,007,500 AF

Remaining Depletion 361,500 AF

Utah’sUpper Colorado River

Entitlement & Current Depletions

Applicant Quantity (Ac Ft)San Juan County WCD 30,000Central Utah WCD 29,500Board of W R (et al) 158,000Wayne County WCD 50,000Kane County WCD 30,000Sanpete WCD 5,600Uintah County WCD 5,000Others (< 5000 AF) 80,000*Ute Tribe ? 105,000  TOTAL 493,100493,100

Potential DepletionApproved Applications (Undeveloped)

Navajo NationWater Rights

There is no argument that the Navajo Nation have water rights,

the question is how much?

Applicant Quantity (Ac Ft) PrioritySJ County WCD 30,000 1966CUWCD 29,500 1965Bd of W R (et al) 158,000 1958Wayne CWCD 50,000 1960Kane CWCD 30,000 1964Sanpete WCD 5,600 1941Uintah CWCD 5,000 1965Others (< 5000 AF) 80,000 (40,000 < 1965) naUte Tribe ? 105,000 1861*Navajo Nation? 50 -150,000 1884*  TOTAL 488,000 AF 488,000 AF with priority dates before with priority dates before 1965. $2 Billion Bonneville Unit CUP has 1965 priority date.1965. $2 Billion Bonneville Unit CUP has 1965 priority date.

Potential DepletionApproved Applications (Undeveloped)

DRAFT – Subject to revision

Other Current Issues• Snake Valley• Formal administrative hearings• Rules on proof of beneficial use• Change Application

Surface to Ground WaterNon-use of water for extended periods

Thank You

Questions?