2006 Utah Code - 73-2-21 — Artesian wells wasting water -- State engineer\'s power to plug, repair, or control -- Cooperative agreements with owners.

     73-2-21.   Artesian wells wasting water -- State engineer's power to plug, repair, or control -- Cooperative agreements with owners.
     The state engineer is authorized to plug, repair, or to otherwise control artesian wells which are wasting public water. He may, on behalf of the state, enter into cooperative agreements with well owners by the terms of which the state may agree to provide all necessary equipment and supervision for such well control operations or shall otherwise share the expense and the well owner shall supply material in an amount not to exceed $200 for each well, and power, provided that the state engineer shall exercise all reasonable precautions to preserve the flow of water from such wells.
     Abandoned wells on public land may be plugged entirely at the expense of the state. Wasting wells on private lands which cannot be plugged under cooperative agreement with the owner of the lands or wells may be plugged entirely at the expense of the state and the state engineer is authorized to create a lien in an amount to cover the expense of plugging or repairing the well not to exceed $250 by filing a notice of lien in the office of the county recorder in the county in which the well is located, and may foreclose such lien in the district court, as provided by law. The state engineer, through the state Department of Finance, may purchase pumps, compressors, and all other necessary equipment and material and may employ all necessary assistance to enable him to perform his duties under this act.

Amended by Chapter 228, 1969 General Session