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Two neighboring ranchers in Utah both hold water rights from the same stream. Rancher Adams obtained his water right in 1952, and Rancher Bell obtained hers in 1978. During a severe drought, the stream cannot supply water to both ranchers. Under Utah's prior appropriation doctrine, what is the correct outcome?

Correct Answer

A) Rancher Adams receives his full water allocation before Rancher Bell receives any water

Utah's prior appropriation doctrine operates on the principle of 'first in time, first in right,' codified in Utah Code Ann. § 73-1-1 et seq. Rancher Adams's 1952 water right is senior to Rancher Bell's 1978 right. During a shortage, senior appropriators receive their full decreed amount before junior appropriators receive anything. Rancher Bell, as the junior appropriator, may receive no water at all if the stream cannot satisfy both rights.

Answer Options
A
Rancher Adams receives his full water allocation before Rancher Bell receives any water
B
Rancher Bell has priority because her more recent right reflects updated State Engineer allocations
C
The State Engineer divides available water proportionally based on each rancher's acreage
D
Both ranchers share the available water equally because they draw from the same source

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

prior_appropriationsenioritywater_shortagefirst_in_time_first_in_rightstate_engineer

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