HB 1504-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Declares that the right to use water for any beneficial use within the general category of an agricultural use includes the right to use the water for any other beneficial use within the general category of an agricultural use as long as the use is within the limitations of the water right regarding priority, place of use, point of diversion, water source, and annual quantity of water.

     Declares that the authority provided by this act may be exercised without securing the approval of the department or any other governmental entity; however, to exercise this authority for an alteration of purpose of use within the general category other than a change in crops or cropping patterns including but not limited to crop rotation, the water right holder shall first notify the department of the alteration.

     Declares that the general category of an agricultural use of water is composed of the beneficial uses of water for agricultural irrigation, watering livestock, and processing agricultural commodities.