General Provisions (Utah Code: Title 73 Water and Irrigation; Chapter 1)

This chapter of the Utah Code contains the general provisions regarding water and irrigation. It provides that all waters in this state, whether above or under the ground, are hereby declared to be the property of the public, subject to all existing rights to the use thereof. The declaration of public ownership of water in Subsection (1) does not create or recognize an easement for public recreational use on private property. The Legislature shall govern the use of public water for beneficial purposes, as limited by constitutional protections for private property.