# A.R.S. § 45-181: 45-181 Definitions

> Arizona · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T45_C1_A7_S181

## Section

- **Citation:** A.R.S. § 45-181
- **Heading:** 45-181 Definitions
- **Jurisdiction:** Arizona
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Arizona Code / Title 45 / Chapter 1 / Article 7 / Section 181

## Text

45-181. Definitions

In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Beneficial use" includes but is not limited to use for domestic, municipal, recreation, wildlife, including fish, agricultural, mining, stockwatering and power purposes.

2. "Person" means any individual, partnership, association, public or private corporation, city or other municipality, county or state agency, a recognized Indian tribe and the United States of America when claiming water rights established under the laws of this state.

3. "Public waters" or "water" means waters of all sources flowing in streams, canyons, ravines or other natural channels or in definite underground channels, whether perennial or intermittent, flood, waste or surplus water, and of lakes, ponds and springs on the surface.

## Nearby sections

- [A.R.S. § 45-181 45-181 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T45_C1_A7_S181.md)
- [A.R.S. § 45-182 45-182 Claim of right to withdraw, divert or use public waters; exception; administration by director of water resources](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T45_C1_A7_S182.md)
- [A.R.S. § 45-183 45-183 Contents of statement of claim; filing procedure; fee](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T45_C1_A7_S183.md)
- [A.R.S. § 45-184 45-184 Waiver and relinquishment of water right](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T45_C1_A7_S184.md)
- [A.R.S. § 45-185 45-185 Filing of claim not deemed adjudication of right; presumption; exemption](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T45_C1_A7_S185.md)
- [A.R.S. § 45-186 45-186 Water rights claims registry](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T45_C1_A7_S186.md)
- [A.R.S. § 45-187 45-187 No rights acquired by adverse use or adverse possession](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T45_C1_A7_S187.md)
- [A.R.S. § 45-188 45-188 Future rights acquired through appropriation; rights within service area of agricultural or municipal provider](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T45_C1_A7_S188.md)
- [A.R.S. § 45-189 45-189 Reversion of rights due to nonuse; notice; hearing; order; exception](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T45_C1_A7_S189.md)
- [A.R.S. § 45-189.01 45-189.01 Water conservation plan notice; filing; exemption; duration](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T45_C1_A7_S189.01.md)
- [A.R.S. § 45-190 45-190 Overstating claim; classification](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T45_C1_A7_S190.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AZ_T45_C1_A7_S181. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.