Nevada § 534.100 - Recognition of existing water rights; classification of water in definable aquifer or percolating water by State Engineer; adjudication of vested underground water rights
Full text of Nevada Nevada Revised Statutes § 534.100 — Recognition of existing water rights; classification of water in definable aquifer or percolating water by State Engineer; adjudication of vested underground water rights, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 534.100. Recognition of existing water rights; classification of water in definable aquifer or percolating water by State Engineer; adjudication of vested underground water rights
1. Existing water rights to the use of underground water are hereby recognized. For the purpose of this chapter a vested right is a water right on underground water
acquired from an artesian or definable aquifer prior to March 22, 1913, and an underground
water right on percolating water, the course and boundaries of which are incapable
of determination, acquired prior to March 25, 1939. The distinction as to whether water is in a definable aquifer or whether it is percolating
water, the course and boundaries of which are incapable of determination, is a matter
to be determined by the State Engineer. 2. Any claimant of a vested underground water right may petition the State Engineer
to adjudicate such rights. If upon investigation the State Engineer finds the facts and conditions justify it,
the State Engineer shall enter an order granting the petition and shall make proper
arrangements to proceed with such determination. In the order the State Engineer shall designate the area within which such determination
is to be made, but the size of such designated area may include other claimed underground
vested water rights. Such designated area shall not extend into other drainage basins. Following the designation of such area the State Engineer shall proceed with adjudicating
such rights as provided for in chapter 533 of NRS .
Source: official Nevada text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada § 534.100
What does Nevada Revised Statutes § 534.100 cover?
Section 534.100 ("Recognition of existing water rights; classification of water in definable aquifer or percolating water by State Engineer; adjudication of vested underground water rights") is part of the Nevada Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Nevada. 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 Nevada § 534.100?
A common citation format is "Nevada Revised Statutes § 534.100" (Nevada). 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 Nevada law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Nevada official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Nevada attorney.
How does Nevada § 534.100 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Nevada 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 Nevada.