2016 Oklahoma Statutes
Title 82. Waters and Water Rights
§82-105.16. Time for putting water to beneficial use.

A. Unless a schedule of use is provided by the Board as authorized in this section, a regular permit shall require that the whole of the amount of the water authorized by the permit be put to beneficial use within a period of less than seven (7) years.

B. If, upon evidence presented to the Board, and considering the present and future needs of the stream system of origin, it appears that the proposed project, improvement or structure will promote the optimal beneficial use of water in the state, and it further appears that the total amount of water to be authorized by the permit cannot be put to beneficial use within seven (7) years, then the Board shall provide in the permit the time within which the total amount to be authorized shall be put to beneficial use. This time shall be the useful life of the proposed project, improvement or structure as found by the Board. In order to insure orderly progress toward total beneficial utilization within the said time set by the Board, the Board shall provide in the permit a schedule of times within which certain percentages of the total amount to be authorized must be put to beneficial use.

C. Nothing in this act shall be deemed to reestablish any right to the use of any water which has been lost by failure to use same or by forfeiture prior to July 5, 1961.

Laws 1972, c. 256, § 16; Laws 1993, c. 164, § 5, emerg. eff. May 10, 1993.