Alaska § 46.15.140 - Abandonment, forfeiture, and reversion of appropriations.
Full text of Alaska Alaska Statutes § 46.15.140 — Abandonment, forfeiture, and reversion of appropriations., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 46.15.140. Abandonment, forfeiture, and reversion of appropriations.
(a) The commissioner may declare an appropriation to be wholly or partially abandoned and revoke or amend the certificate of appropriation as to the unused quantity of water if an appropriator, with intention to abandon, does not make beneficial use of all or a part of the appropriated water.
(b) The commissioner may declare that an appropriator has wholly or partially forfeited an appropriation, and shall revoke the certificate of appropriation in whole or in part if the appropriator voluntarily fails or neglects, without sufficient cause, to make use of all or a part of the appropriated water for a period of five successive years. A person who has a permit to develop a use of water including but not limited to residential, agricultural, industrial, or mining use, but has not developed that property to the point of water use before permit expiration, may file a request for permit extension with the commissioner.
(c) Failure to use beneficially for five successive years all or part of the water granted in a certificate of appropriation raises a rebuttable presumption that the appropriator has abandoned or forfeited the right to use the unused quantity of water and shifts to the appropriator the burden to prove otherwise to the satisfaction of the commissioner.
(d) If the commissioner revokes a certificate in whole or in part, the portion of the certificate covered by the revocation reverts to the state and the water becomes unappropriated water.
Source: official Alaska text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska § 46.15.140
What does Alaska Statutes § 46.15.140 cover?
Section 46.15.140 ("Abandonment, forfeiture, and reversion of appropriations.") is part of the Alaska Statutes, the codified statutory law of Alaska. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alaska § 46.15.140?
A common citation format is "Alaska Statutes § 46.15.140" (Alaska). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alaska law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alaska official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alaska attorney.
How does Alaska § 46.15.140 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alaska can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alaska.