# Utah Code § 73-1-1: Waters declared property of public

> Utah · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_1

## Section

- **Citation:** Utah Code § 73-1-1
- **Heading:** Waters declared property of public
- **Jurisdiction:** Utah
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Utah Code / Title 73 / Chapter 73-1 / § 73-1-1

## Text

(1) 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. (2) The declaration of public ownership of water in Subsection (1) does not create or recognize an easement for public recreational use on private property. (3) The Legislature shall govern the use of public water for beneficial purposes, as limited by constitutional protections for private property. (4) The right of the public to use public water for recreational purposes is governed by Chapter 29, Public Waters Access Act.

## Nearby sections

- [Utah Code § 73-1-1 § 73-1-1. Waters declared property of public.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_1.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-1-2 § 73-1-2. Unit of measurement -- Of flow -- Of volume.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_2.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-1-3 § 73-1-3. Beneficial use basis of right to use.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_3.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-1-4 § 73-1-4. Reversion to the public by abandonment or forfeiture for nonuse within seven years -- Saved water -- Written plan standards for future water -- Nonuse application.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_4.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-1-4.5 § 73-1-4.5. Authorization for water companies to allocate water rights lost by forfeiture or nonuse -- Redemption and retirement of water shares.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_4.5.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-1-5 § 73-1-5. Use of water a public use.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_5.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-1-6 § 73-1-6. Eminent domain -- Purposes.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_6.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-1-7 § 73-1-7. Enlargement for joint use of ditch.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_7.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-1-8 § 73-1-8. Duties of owners or operators -- Bridges and trails -- Liability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_8.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-1-9 § 73-1-9. Contribution between joint owners of ditch or reservoir.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_9.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-1-10 § 73-1-10. Conveyance of water rights -- Deed -- Exceptions -- Filing and recording of deed -- Report of water right conveyance.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_10.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-1-11 § 73-1-11. Appurtenant water rights pass to grantee of land -- Exceptions -- Conveyance of a portion of irrigated land -- Right to the use of water evidenced by shares of stock -- Appurtenant water rights -- Evidence -- Where appurtenant -- Partial conveyances of water and land.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_11.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-1-12 § 73-1-12. Failure to record -- Effect.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_12.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-1-13 § 73-1-13. Corporations -- One water company may own stock in another.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_13.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_1_1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.