Bill > HB0063

This bill establishes new provisions for "sub-basin livestock watering claims," which are water rights used for watering livestock from existing surface water sources within a specific, state-approved drainage area. It defines terms like "livestock" as domestic animals raised for profit or personal use, and differentiates between "small ponds" (holding two acre feet or less of water) and "large ponds" for livestock watering. Individuals can file these claims through existing legal processes, but they must also identify and map the specific sub-basin boundary, ensuring it's small enough not to negatively impact other water rights, and obtain approval from the state engineer for this boundary. These claims can only be based on private or permitted public land used for grazing and must be tied to historically documented livestock watering rights that have been consistently used since the state's water laws were enacted. The bill also clarifies that the state engineer cannot approve a claim without the beneficial user's written consent and that the claim cannot exceed historical water use levels. Water right holders are responsible for limiting water depletion from livestock watering and pond evaporation to the amount established in their claim, and they cannot move water between sub-basins if it would harm another's water right. The bill allows for the construction of small ponds within a claim area without a separate application, but large ponds require a change application and must meet dam safety requirements. Importantly, no pond can be built in an area not covered by a sub-basin livestock watering claim without a change application. This bill is set to take effect on May 6, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0063.html