Water Rights Law

Salt Lake City, Utah Water Rights Attorney

According to the State of Utah, a water right is a right to the use of water based upon 1) quantity, 2) source 3) priority date, 4) nature of use, 5) point of diversion and 6) physically putting water to beneficial use. Unless grandfathered in, the rights to the use of water in the State of Utah must be established through the water appropriation process administered by the State Engineer's office.

At Clyde Snow Sessions & Swenson, our water law group focuses primarily on water rights and water resources. Our Utah water rights attorneys are experienced in handling a wide array of issues concerning Utah water rights and Utah water right transactions, including the purchase, sale, and leasing of water rights, title reviews and title updates with the Division of Water Rights. We have represented numerous clients in hearings before the Utah State Engineer, and have an extensive administrative practice before that agency. We can assist clients with their water rights application process, and with any appeals from adverse decisions by the Utah State Engineer. We also handle litigation  involving water rights and water resources throughout Utah, including title resolution lawsuits, the general adjudication of water rights between parties, and claims for interference with water rights.

Our firm is actively involved in water-related Endangered Species Act issues, as well as National Environmental Policy Act issues affecting federal water projects. Our lawyers have extensive experience in handling federal reclamation issues, including contractual relations with the United States Bureau of Reclamation and other federal agencies.

Many of our firm’s clients are public water suppliers that are constructing a new or expanding water system infrastructure, including the Central Utah Water Conservancy District, numerous municipalities, ski resorts, mutual irrigation companies, sewer and water districts, and county governments.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding water law, including water rights and the allocation of water resources, schedule a confidential consultation with one of our Utah water rights attorneys.