WWRC 86-05e
Federal/State Water Laws
Introduction
Federal and State laws governing the use of water
have substantial impact upon riparian areas. The
interstate compacts and court decrees to which
Wyoming is a party determine how much water
Wyoming can consumptively use from rivers and
streams. In addition, the doctrine of reserved water
rights has given to the federal government the ability
to claim large quantities of water for consumptive and
nonconsumpdve uses. These claims will take on
increasing significance as litigation over the reserved
rights is concluded. This paper will briefly outline
some of the most important federal and state laws that
affect Wyoming's use of water.
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