On September 25, 2026, Third District Court Judge Laura S. Scott issued an Order appointing Janelle Bauer as Special Master for the Utah Lake / Jordan River General Adjudication. Ms. Bauer replaces Rick Knuth, who has retired after serving as Special Master for 10 years. For several years, Ms. Bauer served as the Special Master's counsel, so she has a strong understanding of the General Adjudication process.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Special Master Vacancy
|
The following notice was issued by the Utah State Courts. Due to the impending retirement
of Special Master RL Knuth and in accordance with the Revised Order Granting
the Motion to Appoint a Master in the Utah Lake and Jordan River General
Adjudication entered April 21, 2016, the Court is now accepting applications
for the position of Special Master for the Utah Lake and Jordan River General
Adjudication. Deadline for
Applications. Applications must be
submitted to Judge Laura S. Scott at 3rdscottteam@utcourts.gov
by September 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Qualifications. An applicant must be a resident of the State of Utah, a U.S.
citizen, and admitted to practice law in Utah. A qualified applicant will
have at least ten years of civil litigation experience, demonstrated water
law expertise, excellent legal and communication skills, and an established
reputation for integrity and high ethical standards. In addition, a qualified
applicant will have strong administrative skills and ready access to
administrative support services (e.g., paralegals, printing and mailing
support services). Application
Materials. Applicants should submit a
cover letter, a resume, a list of water clients of the applicant and his/her
law firm, and a list of water-related cases that the applicant and his/her
law firm or agency has appeared in during the last five years. In addition,
the cover letter should address the applicant's proposed staffing and billing
structure and any potential conflicts of interest. Process for
Selection. After reviewing the
applications, the Court will select five finalists and solicit confidential
written comments regarding them. The Court may conduct interviews of the
finalists as it deems necessary. The Court anticipates selecting the new
Special Master no later than September 30, 2026. |
Friday, June 26, 2026
Public Meeting to Discuss Proposed Determination in Orem Area
This meeting will also be conducted electronically to provide expanded opportunity for parties to participate. Instructions on how to participate in the meeting via web conference or telephone can be found at the following web address: https://waterrights.utah.gov/publicmeetings
For more information about the meeting, click here.
Monday, August 11, 2025
Hall v. Springville City
The Utah Court of Appeals recently issued its opinion in the case of Hall v. Springville City. This case focuses on Springville City's ownership claims to water rights that were included in the Proposed Determination for the Hobble Creek area.
The case concerns water rights that were originally associated with the Anderson Ranch and Clark Ranch in Hobble Creek Canyon. The ranches were homesteaded in the late 1800s, and water rights were established by diligence (i.e., by diversion and use of surface water prior to 1903). In 1928, the Springville Irrigation Company was formed, and the Andersons and Clarks conveyed irrigation water rights to the Company in exchange for water shares. In the 1940s, the City determined to buy water rights in Hobble Creek Canyon in order to expand its water system to serve its growing population. The City acquired the Anderson Ranch and the Clark Ranch, along with all water rights and all Company water shares associated with the ranches. A few years later, the City sold the ranches to Ralph Phillips. The land deed noted that "All water and water rights heretofore used on the aforesaid granted premises have been separately sold and transferred and this conveyance is made subject to the reservation of all water rights excepting only a flood water right to which the cultivated or improved part of the aforesaid granted premises shall be entitled when and as long as such flood water is available." The City and Mr. Phillips subsequently entered into agreements allowing Mr. Phillips to use the water rights and water shares until the City needed the water for its own purposes.
Decades later, the subsequent owners of the ranches filed Diligence Claims and Water Users Claims asserting year-round rights from springs for irrigation, domestic, and stockwatering purposes. These asserted water rights were included in the Proposed Determination published in 1986. The City filed objections to the Proposed Determination, asserting that the water rights were invalid because (among other things) the City was "the owner of the entire flow of water from the sources given" for the water rights.
In 2020, the City filed motions for summary judgment on its objection, in which the City sought to have the district court declare the water rights invalid because the landowners' predecessors had deeded all water rights to the City in the 1940s. The landowners opposed the motions and argued, among other things, that the "flood water" language in the 1940s deed gave them a legitimate basis for their water rights. The Special Master ruled in the City's favor, which the district court later confirmed. The landowners appealed the case to the Utah Court of Appeals.
The Court began its opinion by determining that when the City acquired title to the ranches, the City also acquired all water rights and all water shares. The Court then examined the "flood water" language from the 1940s deed and determined that the language did not convey any water rights from the City to Mr. Phillips but, instead, granted Mr. Phillips the ability to take advantage of any natural flooding that occurred; i.e., any water that naturally escaped the stream channel during periods of high flow. The Court further noted that even if the interpretation of "flood water" was ambiguous, the extrinsic evidence supported the City's assertion that it did not convey any water rights to Mr. Phillips. Additionally, the Court noted that the Utah Constitution prohibits municipalities from selling or conveying away its water rights, which further confirms that the City did not convey any water rights to Mr. Phillips. Finally, the Court disagreed with the landowners' assertion that the City and Mr. Phillips entered into an exchange of water rights.
The Court also examined the landowners' claim that they had been denied due process rights because they had not been given "adequate notice" of the City's claims of ownership of the water rights. The Court determined that the City's objection was satisfactory under the relevant statutes at the time and that the landowners were given sufficient opportunity to engage in discovery and litigate the relevant issues in the adjudication.
Based on these determinations, the Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's decision that the water rights were invalid.
(The attorneys at Smith Hartvigsen were proud to represent Springville City in this case.)
To read the full opinion, click here.
Monday, June 2, 2025
Open House Events for General Adjudication in Benjamin Area
The Utah Division of Water Rights recently initiated a general adjudication of water rights in the Benjamin area of Utah County. (Click here for more information.) Due to the public interest in the general adjudication process, the Division is holding a series of open house events to assist the public during the Water User's Claim filing period. Division staff members will be available to meet individually with members of the public in and discuss any questions they may have about filing a Water User's Claim in the general adjudication.
The open house events will be held in the Heritage Room of the Spanish Fork Library (80 South Main Street) at the following dates and times:
- Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm
- Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm
Friday, May 16, 2025
Public Meeting Concerning the General Adjudication in Spanish Fork / Mapleton Area
The Utah Division of Water Rights has set a public meeting to discuss the general adjudication of water rights in the Spanish Fork / Mapleton area in the Utah Lake / Jordan River Drainage (Area 51, Book 8). The Spanish Fork / Mapleton area boundaries are shown on the map below. The following information is from the public meeting notice:
What: Public Meeting
Who: Water Users within the Spanish Fork / Mapleton area
When: June 10, 2025, 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Where: Ponderosa Event Center - Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, 475 South Main Street, Spanish Fork
Purpose: In accordance with Chapter 73-4, Utah Code Annotated, and the Third Judicial District Court (Civil No. 360057857), the State Engineer is authorized and ordered to conduct a general determination of the rights to the use of all water, both surface and underground, within the drainage area of the Spanish Fork/Mapleton Subdivision, Utah County Division, of the Utah Lake and Jordan River drainage in Utah County. Efforts are currently underway and over the next few months, representatives of the Division of Water Rights will be working in the Spanish Fork/Mapleton area to survey existing water rights and investigate water user's claims. In light of this work, the public is invited to a public meeting. Representatives from the Division of Water Rights will be available during this time to discuss the adjudication process, review water rights within the area, and answer questions. If individuals cannot attend, but have questions regarding the adjudication process or water rights within the Spanish Fork/Mapleton area, please contact the Division of Water Rights at 801-538-5282.
Agenda:
1. Introduction
2. Adjudication Process Presentation
3. Public Comments and Questions
A livestream of the meeting will be broadcast here.
For more information regarding this meeting, click here.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Public Meeting Concerning the General Adjudication in Benjamin Area
The Utah Division of Water Rights has set a public meeting to discuss the general adjudication of water rights in the Benjamin area in the Utah Lake / Jordan River Drainage (Area 51, Book 7). The Benjamin area boundaries are shown on the map below. The following information is from the public meeting notice:
What: Public Meeting
Who: Water Users within the Benjamin area
When: May 1, 2025, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Where: Salem Hills High School - Auditorium, 150 Skyhawk Boulevard, Salem
Purpose: In accordance with Chapter 73-4, Utah Code Annotated, and the Third Judicial District Court (Civil No. 360057856), the State Engineer is authorized and ordered to conduct a general determination of the rights to the use of all water, both surface and underground, within the drainage area of the Benjamin Subdivision, Utah County Division, of the Utah Lake and Jordan River drainage in Utah County. Efforts are currently underway and over the next few months, representatives of the Division of Water Rights will be working in the Benjamin area to survey existing water rights and investigate water user's claims. In light of this work, the public is invited to a public meeting. Representatives from the Division of Water Rights will be available during this time to discuss the adjudication process, review water rights within the area, and answer questions. If individuals cannot attend, but have questions regarding the adjudication process or water rights within the Benjamin area, please contact the Division of Water Rights at 801-538-5282.
Agenda:
1. Introduction
2. Adjudication Process Presentation
3. Public Comments and Questions
For more information regarding this meeting, click here.
Friday, April 4, 2025
Public Meeting Concerning the General Adjudication of Gould Wash Area
The Utah Division of Water Rights has set a public meeting to discuss the general adjudication of water rights in the Gould Wash area in the Virgin River Drainage (Area 81, Book 4). The Gould Wash area boundaries are shown on the map below. The following information is from the public meeting notice:
What: Public Meeting
Who: Water Users within the Gould Wash area
When: April 24, 2025, 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Where: Harmony Building at the Legacy Park, 5500 West 700 South, Hurricane, UT 84737
Purpose: In accordance with Chapter 73-4, Utah Code Annotated, and the Fifth Judicial District Court (Civil No. 800507596), the State Engineer is authorized and ordered to conduct a general determination of the rights to the use of all water, both surface and underground, within the drainage area of the Gould Wash Division of the Virgin River drainage in Washington, Iron, and Kane Counties. Efforts are currently underway and over the next few months, representatives of the Division of Water Rights will be working in the Gould Wash area to survey existing water rights and investigate water user's claims. In light of this work, the public is invited to a public meeting. Representatives from the Division of Water Rights will be available during this time to discuss the adjudication process, review water rights within the area, and answer questions. If individuals cannot attend, but have questions regarding the adjudication process or water rights within the Gould Wash area, please contact the Division of Water Rights at 801-538-5282.
Agenda:
1. Introduction
2. Adjudication Process Presentation
3. Public Comments and Questions
For more information regarding this meeting, click here.
Thursday, January 23, 2025
New Adjudication Areas in South Utah County
- Santaquin (Area 51-6)
- Benjamin (Area 51-7)
- Spanish Fork / Mapleton (Area 51-8)
- Payson / Salem (Area 51-9)
Monday, December 2, 2024
Planned Adjudication of Gould Wash Area
The Division of Water Rights has sent out notice that it will be initiating a general adjudication of water rights in the Gould Wash area (Book 81-4). This area includes the communities of Apple Valley, Hildale, Virgin, Rockville, and Springdale, as well as portions of Hurricane and La Verkin. See map below. The Division has not yet scheduled the initial public meeting.
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Public Meeting Regarding Proposed Determination for Big Cottonwood Creek Area
The Utah Division of Water Rights recently published the Proposed Determination for the Big Cottonwood Creek area (Book 57-18). The Division has set a public meeting to discuss the Proposed Determination. The following information is from the public meeting notice:
What: Public Meeting
Who: Water Users within the Big Cottonwood Creek area
When: January 10, 2024, 4:00 to 5:00 pm
Where: Cottonwood Heights City Hall, 2277 East Bengal Blvd.
Purpose: In accordance with Chapter 73-4, Utah Code Annotated, and
the Third Judicial District Court (Civil No. 365729835), the State Engineer has
completed a general determination of the rights to the use of all water, both
surface and underground, within the drainage area of the Big Cottonwood Creek
Subdivision, Salt Lake County East Division, of the Utah Lake and Jordan River
drainage in Salt Lake County. In light of the completion of this work, the
Division of Water Rights will hold a public meeting in order to review the
proposed determination and answer questions. Representatives from the Division
of Water Rights will be available during this time to discuss water rights
within the proposed determination and answer any questions. If individuals
cannot attend but have questions regarding the adjudication process or water
rights within the Big Cottonwood Creek Subdivision, please contact Mike Drake
at 801-538-7397.
Agenda:
1. Introduction: Mike Drake, Assistant State Engineer - Adjudication
2. Adjudication Process Review
3. Public Comments and Questions
The meeting will also be broadcast electronically at https://waterrights.utah.gov/meetinfo.
For more information regarding this meeting, click here.
Friday, December 30, 2022
Public Meeting Concerning the General Adjudication in Upper Provo River Area
The Utah Division of Water Rights has set a public meeting to discuss the general adjudication of water rights in the Upper Provo River area in the Provo River Division of the Utah Lake/Jordan River Drainage (Area 55, Book 15). The Upper Provo River area boundaries are shown on the map below. The following information is from the public meeting notice:
What: Public Meeting
Who: Water Users within the Upper Provo River area
When: January 26, 2023, 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Where: Francis Community Center, 2319 South Spring Hollow Road, Francis, Utah
Purpose: In accordance with Chapter 73-4, Utah Code Annotated, and the Third Judicial District Court (Civil No. 365729854), the State Engineer is authorized and ordered to conduct a general determination of the rights to the use of all water, both surface and underground, within the drainage area of the Upper Provo River Subdivision, Provo River Division, of the Utah Lake and Jordan River drainage in Wasatch County. Efforts are currently underway and over the next few months, representatives of the Division of Water Rights will be working in the Upper Provo River area to survey existing water rights and investigate water user's claims. In light of this work, the public is invited to a public meeting. Representatives from the Division of Water Rights will be available during this time to discuss the adjudication process, review water rights within the area, and answer questions. If individuals cannot attend, but have questions regarding the adjudication process or water rights within the Upper Provo River area, please contact the Division of Water Rights at 801-538-5282.
Agenda:
1. Introduction
2. Adjudication Process Presentation
3. Public Comments and Questions
For more information regarding this meeting, click here.
Public Meeting Concerning the General Adjudication in Francis / Woodland Area
The Utah Division of Water Rights has set a public meeting to discuss the general adjudication of water rights in the Francis/Woodland area in the Provo River Division of the Utah Lake/Jordan River Drainage (Area 55, Book 14). The Francis/Woodland area boundaries are shown on the map below. The following information is from the public meeting notice:
What: Public Meeting
Who: Water Users within the Francis/Woodland area
When: January 26, 2023, 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Where: Francis Community Center, 2319 South Spring Hollow Road, Francis, Utah
Purpose: In accordance with Chapter 73-4, Utah Code Annotated, and the Third Judicial District Court (Civil No. 365729853), the State Engineer is authorized and ordered to conduct a general determination of the rights to the use of all water, both surface and underground, within the drainage area of the Francis/Woodland Subdivision, Provo River Division, of the Utah Lake and Jordan River drainage in Wasatch County. Efforts are currently underway and over the next few months, representatives of the Division of Water Rights will be working in the Francis/Woodland area to survey existing water rights and investigate water user's claims. In light of this work, the public is invited to a public meeting. Representatives from the Division of Water Rights will be available during this time to discuss the adjudication process, review water rights within the area, and answer questions. If individuals cannot attend, but have questions regarding the adjudication process or water rights within the Francis/Woodland area, please contact the Division of Water Rights at 801-538-5282.
Agenda:
1. Introduction
2. Adjudication Process Presentation
3. Public Comments and Questions
For more information regarding this meeting, click here.
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Public Meeting Concerning the General Adjudication in Jordanelle Area
The Utah Division of Water Rights has set a public meeting
to discuss the general adjudication of water rights in the Jordanelle area
in the Provo River Division of the Utah Lake/Jordan River
Drainage (Area 55, Book 13). The Jordanelle area boundaries are shown on
the map below. The following information is from the public meeting notice:
What: Public Meeting
Who: Water Users within the Jordanelle area
When: April 21, 2022, 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Where: Wasatch County Senior Center, 465 East 1200 South,
Heber City
Purpose: In accordance with Chapter 73-4, Utah Code
Annotated, and the Third Judicial District Court (Civil No. 365729852), the
State Engineer is authorized and ordered to conduct a general determination of
the rights to the use of all water, both surface and underground, within the
drainage area of the Jordanelle Subdivision, Provo River Division, of the Utah
Lake and Jordan River drainage in Wasatch County. Efforts are currently
underway and over the next few months, representatives of the Division of Water
Rights will be working in the Jordanelle area to survey existing water
rights and investigate water user's claims. In light of this work, the public is invited to a public
meeting. Representatives from the Division of Water Rights will be available
during this time to discuss the adjudication process, review water rights
within the area, and answer questions. If individuals cannot attend, but have
questions regarding the adjudication process or water rights within the
Jordanelle area, please contact the Division of Water Rights at
801-538-5282.
Agenda:
1. Introduction (Mike Drake - Assistant State Engineer)
2. Adjudication Process Presentation
3. Public Comments and Questions
A live stream broadcast of the public meeting will also be available
online at this link.
For more information regarding this meeting, click here.
Friday, March 18, 2022
Public Meetings Regarding General Adjudication of Water Rights Within the Navajo Nation Subdivision
The Utah Division of Water Rights has set a series of public meetings regarding the General Adjudication of water rights within the Navajo Nation subdivision, San Juan Division of Southeastern Colorado River (Book 09-1). Information regarding the four public meetings is provided below, along with a map showing the boundaries of the adjudication area.
Public Meeting in Monticello
March 30, 2022, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
The Hideout Community Center
648 South Hideout Way
Monticello, Utah
Public Meeting in Blanding
March 30, 2022, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
USU Blanding Arts & Events Center
715 West 200 South
Blanding, Utah
Public Meeting in Aneth
March 31, 2022, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Aneth Chapter House
SR 162 and Riverside Ct
Aneth, Utah
Public Meeting in Monument Valley
March 31, 2022, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
The Navajo Welcome Center
SR 163 and Monument Valley Road
Oljeto-Monument Valley, Utah
In accordance with Chapter 73-4, Utah Code
Annotated, and the Seventh Judicial District Court (Civil No. 810704477), the
State Engineer is authorized and ordered to conduct a general determination of
the rights to the use of all water, both surface and underground, within the
drainage area of the Navajo Nation Subdivision, San Juan River Division of the
Southeastern Colorado River General Adjudication.
Efforts are currently underway and over the next few months,
representatives of the Division of Water Rights will be working in the Navajo
Nation area to survey existing water rights and investigate water user's
claims. In light of this work, the public is invited to a public meeting.
Representatives from the Division of Water Rights will be available during this
time to discuss the adjudication process, review water rights within the area,
and answer questions.
If individuals cannot attend, but have questions regarding the adjudication process or water rights within the Navajo Nation area, please contact the Division of Water Rights at (801) 538-5282.
A recording of the public meeting will also be available on-line under the meetings tab on the Division's website.
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
Update on Water Right Adjudications
Across the state, water right adjudications continue to move forward. As noted by the Utah Division of Water Rights, “[t]he water rights adjudication process helps to bring order and certainty to the water rights record throughout the state by defining existing rights, quantifying unknown rights, and removing unused and abandoned rights from the record through judicial decree.” This article provides updates on some of these water right adjudication proceedings.
In February 2021, the Division initiated a new
adjudication in Daniels Creek, Area 55-11. The next areas to be adjudicated
are:
·
Lake Creek, Area 55-12 (anticipated to begin in
2021)
·
Jordanelle, Area 55-13 (anticipated to begin in
2022)
·
Francis-Woodland, Area 55-14 (anticipated to begin
in 2022)
·
Upper Provo, Area 55-15 (anticipated to begin in
2023)
In March 2021, the Division has issued the List of
Unclaimed Rights for Midway, Area 55-10.
The Division has published Proposed Determinations in
several areas:
·
Red Butte Creek, Area 57-3 (November 2020)
·
West Murray, Area 57-19 (December 2020)
·
Mill Creek, Area 57-15 (May 2021).
The Division anticipates publishing more Proposed Determinations
in 2021. The next Proposed Determinations to be published are:
·
Liberty Park, Area 57-11
·
Parleys Creek, Area 57-14
·
Holladay, Area 57-16
·
West Big Cottonwood Creek, Area 57-17
·
Moab North, Area 05-02
·
Moab South, Area 05-05.
The Special Master and Third District Court continue to
hear objections to Proposed Determinations in numerous adjudication areas,
including three areas that pre-date the Special Master’s appointment:
·
Hobble Creek, Area 51-4
·
Goshen Valley, Area 53-1
·
Emigration Creek, Area 57-1.
It is critical that water right owners understand and participate in the adjudication process in their respective areas. Failure to do so could result in water rights being reduced or even disallowed in the adjudication proceedings.
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Proposed Determination for Mill Creek Area
As part of its general adjudication of water rights, the Utah Division of Water Rights has issued its Proposed Determination for the Mill Creek Area (Area 55, Book 15). The Proposed Determination was published on May 19, 2021. Pursuant to Utah law, any water user who disagrees with the Proposed Determination is required to file an objection within 90 days (i.e., by August 17, 2021). Failure to file an objection results in the water user being able to mount a challenge in the future. Accordingly, if you have water rights in the Mill Creek Area, you should definitely review the Proposed Determination to ensure that your water rights are correctly included therein.
To view the Mill Creek Area Proposed Determination, click here.
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Public Meeting Regarding Water Right Policy for Moab / Spanish Valley
The Utah Division of Water Rights has set a public meeting to discuss water right policies and the ongoing general adjudication process in the Moab / Spanish Valley area. The details of the meeting are included below.
| Who: | Moab / Spanish Valley Water Users |
| When: | November 4, 2020, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Where: | Online only |
| Online: | http://www.waterrights.utah.gov/publicmeetings |
| Purpose: | The purpose of the meeting is to discuss current water right appropriation policy; review the United States Geologic Survey, Scientific Investigations Report 2019-5062 "Evaluation of Groundwater Resources in the Spanish Valley Watershed, Grand and San Juan Counties, Utah"; and present an update on the general water rights adjudication. Personnel from the Division of Water Rights will be available to take all questions and comments provided by the general public and interested parties. |
| Agenda: | 1. Welcome/Introduction 2. Current Water Right Appropriation Policy 3. Review of USGS SIR 2019-5062 4. Update on General Water Rights Adjudication 5. Public Questions/Comments |
For more information regarding the meeting, click here.
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Public Meeting Concerning the General Adjudication in Midway Area
What: Public Meeting
Agenda:
1. Introduction (Blake Bingham, P.E. - Assistant State Engineer)
2. Adjudication Process Presentation
3. Public Comments and Questions
A live stream broadcast of the public meeting will also be available online at this link.
For more information regarding this meeting, click here.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Public Meeting Concerning the General Adjudication in Provo Canyon Area
What: Public Meeting
Agenda:
1. Introduction (Blake Bingham, P.E. - Assistant State Engineer)
2. Adjudication Process Presentation
3. Public Comments and Questions
A live stream broadcast of the public meeting will also be available online at this link.
For more information about this meeting, click here.







