# Utah Code § 73-3-5.5: Temporary applications to appropriate water -- Approval by engineer -- Expiration -- Proof of appropriation not required

> Utah · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_5.5

## Section

- **Citation:** Utah Code § 73-3-5.5
- **Heading:** Temporary applications to appropriate water -- Approval by engineer -- Expiration -- Proof of appropriation not required
- **Jurisdiction:** Utah
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Utah Code / Title 73 / Chapter 73-3 / § 73-3-5.5

## Text

(1) The state engineer may issue temporary applications to appropriate water for beneficial purposes. (2) The provisions of this chapter governing regular applications to appropriate water shall apply to temporary applications with the following exceptions: (a) (i) The state engineer shall undertake a thorough investigation of the proposed appropriation, and if the temporary application complies with the provisions of Section 73-3-8, may make an order approving the application. (ii) If the state engineer finds that the appropriation sought might impair other rights, before approving the application, the state engineer shall give notice of the application to all persons whose rights may be affected by the temporary appropriations. (b) The state engineer may issue a temporary application for a period of time not exceeding one year. (c) (i) The state engineer, in the approval of a temporary application, may make approval subject to whatever conditions and provisions the state engineer considers necessary to fully protect prior existing rights. (ii) If the state engineer determines that it is necessary to have a water commissioner distribute the water under a temporary application for the protection of other vested rights, the state engineer may assess the distribution costs against the holder of the temporary application. (d) (i) A temporary application does not vest in its holder a permanent vested right to the use of water. (ii) A temporary application automatically expires and is cancelled according to its terms. (e) Proof of appropriation otherwise required under this chapter is not required for temporary applications.

## Nearby sections

- [Utah Code § 73-3-1 § 73-3-1. Appropriation -- Manner of acquiring water rights.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_1.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-3-1.5 § 73-3-1.5. Capture and storage of precipitation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_1.5.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-3-2 § 73-3-2. Application for right to use unappropriated public water -- Necessity -- Form -- Contents -- Validation of prior applications by state or United States or officer or agency thereof.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_2.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-3-3 § 73-3-3. Changes to a water right.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_3.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-3-3.5 § 73-3-3.5. Application for a change of point of diversion, place of use, or purpose of use of water in a water company made by a shareholder.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_3.5.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-3-4 § 73-3-4. "Received," "filed" defined.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_4.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-3-5 § 73-3-5. Action by engineer on applications.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_5.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-3-5.5 § 73-3-5.5. Temporary applications to appropriate water -- Approval by engineer -- Expiration -- Proof of appropriation not required.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_5.5.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-3-5.6 § 73-3-5.6. Applications to appropriate or permanently change a small amount of water -- Proof of appropriation or change.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_5.6.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-3-6 § 73-3-6. Publication of notice of application -- Corrections or amendments of applications -- Confirmation -- Withdrawal of application.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_6.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-3-7 § 73-3-7. Protests.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_7.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-3-8 § 73-3-8. Approval or rejection of application -- Requirements for approval -- Application for specified period of time -- Filing of royalty contract for removal of salt or minerals -- Request for agency action.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_8.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-3-10 § 73-3-10. Approval or rejection of application.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_10.md)
- [Utah Code § 73-3-11 § 73-3-11. Statement of financial ability of applicants.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_11.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_UT_T73_S73_3_5.5. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.