Full text of Utah Utah Code § 73-3-30.3 — Dedicated water application., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 73-3-30.3. Dedicated water application.
Effective 5/6/2026 73-3-30.3.
Dedicated water application.
(1)
As used in this section:
(a)
"Agricultural land" means land in agricultural use, as defined in Section 59-2-502.
(b)
"Dedicated water" means water that has been recognized for delivery or use under Section 73-3-30 and a dedicated water application.
(c)
"Dedicated water application" means an application to change the existing nature of use and place of use for a water right by adding a nature of use for:
(i)
an instream flow within a specified reach of a natural or altered stream;
(ii)
use on sovereign lands; or
(iii)
a project to deliver water to a reservoir located partially or entirely within the Colorado River System in the state in accordance with this section.
(d)
"Split season use" means making sequential use of a portion of a water right in the same calendar year.
(2)
A dedicated water application may:
(a)
be filed for:
(i)
a fixed period of time; or
(ii)
an indefinite period of time; and
(b)
include a split season use.
(3)
Approval of a dedicated water application does not:
(a)
change an existing element of the underlying water right;
(b)
extend the time for filing proof or taking other required action associated with the underlying water right; or
(c)
require the applicant to make dedicated water available for use in a given year or in a specific quantity or volume.
(4)
(a)
The state engineer shall process a dedicated water application in accordance with Sections 73-3-3 and 73-3-8.
(b)
The state engineer shall prioritize the processing of a dedicated water application.
(c)
The state engineer may deny a dedicated water application if the state engineer determines that the dedicated water application would result in land being removed from agricultural land for a full irrigation season in more than two years out of a five-year period on the same agricultural field.
(5)
The state engineer may require an owner of an approved dedicated water application under this section to provide:
(a)
annual notice of intent to exercise the dedicated water application;
(b)
information about the annual volume of water to be dedicated by the owner from the underlying water right; and
(c)
other information the state engineer considers necessary to:
(i)
ensure the dedication of water is taking place;
(ii)
establish that the owner still has a legal interest in the underlying water right used as the basis for the dedication of water; or
(iii)
determine the quantity of water being dedicated.
(6)
An approved dedicated water application lapses:
(a)
automatically on the date the underlying water right that is the basis of the dedicated application:
(i)
lapses;
(ii)
is withdrawn; or
(iii)
is declared forfeited or abandoned; or
(b)
upon notice from the state engineer if:
(i)
the applicant no longer holds a legal interest in the underlying water right that is the basis of the dedicated water application;
(ii)
the delivery of dedicated water can no longer be carried out as stated in the dedicated water application;
(iii)
the applicant has not complied with the conditions established by the state engineer in the order approving the dedicated water application; or
(iv)
the applicant fails to provide the information requested by the state engineer under Subsection (5).
Section 73-3-30.3 ("Dedicated water application.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. 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 Utah § 73-3-30.3?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 73-3-30.3" (Utah). 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 Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 73-3-30.3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
