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Two neighboring ranchers in Cassia County, Idaho, both hold water rights to divert water from the same tributary. Rancher Alvarez received his water right in 1952, and Rancher Benton received his water right in 1978. During a drought year, there is only enough water in the tributary to satisfy one of the two rights. Under Idaho's prior appropriation doctrine, which of the following correctly describes the outcome?

Correct Answer

B) Rancher Alvarez may use his full allocation first because his 1952 right is senior to Benton's 1978 right.

Under the prior appropriation doctrine ('first in time, first in right'), codified in Idaho Code Title 42, water rights are prioritized strictly by the date of appropriation. Rancher Alvarez's 1952 right is senior to Rancher Benton's 1978 right. During a shortage, the senior appropriator (Alvarez) is entitled to receive his full allocation before the junior appropriator (Benton) receives any water. Benton's junior right may be completely curtailed during drought conditions.

Answer Options
A
Both ranchers must share the available water equally, regardless of when their rights were established.
B
Rancher Alvarez may use his full allocation first because his 1952 right is senior to Benton's 1978 right.
C
Rancher Benton may use the water first because more recent appropriations reflect current beneficial use priorities.
D
The Idaho Department of Water Resources will divide the available water proportionally based on each rancher's acreage.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

prior_appropriationwater_rightssenioritydroughtfirst_in_time_first_in_right

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