Bill > HB0304

This bill creates a new process for livestock owners to obtain a water use certificate for small-scale water usage directly related to raising and caring for livestock. The bill defines a "livestock watering use" as the use of less than 20 acre-feet of water collected from precipitation or impoundments on private land for livestock consumption and related purposes. To obtain a certificate, applicants must submit detailed information including the location of water use, quantity of water, water source details, and affidavits demonstrating that the water source was historically part of homestead requirements and has been used for livestock watering since 1976. The state engineer will review applications and issue certificates for uses that meet these criteria, allowing livestock owners to continue their water use without needing to file a full water right application. The certificate provides a streamlined method for recognizing long-standing water uses associated with traditional ranching and agricultural practices, with the caveat that any significant changes in use or water quantity would require a formal water right application. The bill also modifies the state engineer's existing rules to include the ability to make regulations specifically about these new livestock watering use certificates. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0304.html