Utah § 76-9-1203 - Unlawful taking of water or damaging a water facility.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 76-9-1203 — Unlawful taking of water or damaging a water facility., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 76-9-1203. Unlawful taking of water or damaging a water facility.

Effective 5/7/2025
76-9-1203.  Unlawful taking of water or damaging a water facility.
(1)Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5 and 76-9-1201 apply to this section.
(2)An actor commits unlawful taking of water or damaging a water facility if the actor, in violation of a right of another person, intentionally or knowingly:
(a)turns on or uses the water, or a part thereof, of a canal, ditch, pipeline, or reservoir, except at a time when the use of the water has been duly distributed to the actor;
(b)uses a greater quantity of the water than has been duly distributed to the actor;
(c)in any way changes the flow of water when lawfully distributed for irrigation or other useful purposes, except when duly authorized to make the change; or
(d)breaks or injures a dam, canal, pipeline, watergate, ditch, or other means of diverting or conveying water for irrigation or other useful purposes.
(3)A violation of Subsection (2) is subject to the penalty provisions in Section 73-2-27.
(4)Subsection (2) applies to violations of a right to the use of water, including:
(a)a water right; or
(b)authorization of a person's use of water by:
(i)a water company, as defined in Subsection 73-3-3.5(1)(b); or
(ii)an entity having a valid water right under Utah law.


Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 173, 2025 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 76-9-1203

What does Utah Code § 76-9-1203 cover?

Section 76-9-1203 ("Unlawful taking of water or damaging a water facility.") 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 § 76-9-1203?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 76-9-1203" (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 § 76-9-1203 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.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.