Utah Water Rights - "General Adjudication"
The Utah Division of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently conducting a “general adjudication” of individual water rights throughout Utah. Here is a brief explanation and a few helpful resources.
If you would like assistance from a Utah water rights attorney, please contact me.
What is a General Adjudication?
The “general adjudication” of individual Utah water rights is a formal legal process to update Utah water rights records. This includes adding long-standing water rights to Utah records and removing water rights from the record that are no longer being used.
Why did I receive a SUMMONS?
A summons was (or will be) sent to (1) all known water right holders on record, and (2) all property owners in each adjudication area. The purpose of the summons is to provide notice of (and request participation in) the adjudication process.
Do I need to participate in the adjudication process?
If you have or use an individual water right (whether currently on record or not), you must participate in the adjudication process (see steps below). If you do not have or use an individual water right (or you have a share through a local irrigation company that will participate on your behalf), then you do not need to participate.
Process / Timeline
PHASE 1: Summons + Notice to File Claims
PHASE 2: List of Unclaimed Rights + Final Summons
PHASE 3: Proposed Determination + Final Decree
EACH PHASE INCLUDES:
- Notice (by mail and publication)
- Public Meeting (to provide general information and answer questions)
- Information (regarding determinations and next steps regarding water rights)
Actions
POSSIBLE ACTIONS INCLUDE:
- [this section is being created; contact my office with immediate questions]
