WWRC 89-44
A Critical Look at Wyoming Water Law
Introduction
From its earliest history Wyoming has used the prior appropriation
doctrine to allocate water rights. Over time, Wyoming water law has
evolved to accommodate changing needs and values, but the basic scheme
established by the first state legislature for allocating water rights remains
intact. Indeed, so innovative was Wyoming's water allocation system
when first adopted that it was soon emulated by other western states.
This article offers a comprehensive overview of Wyoming water law.
Potential problems with the law are also identified and analyzed, Some
of these problems are individually significant, and though the Wyoming
water law system remains fundamentally sound, selective changes to the
state's laws or regulations will be necessary if Wyoming is to maintain
its leadership role in western water law.
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