Wyoming Water Rights

Wyoming water rights establish ownership and usage of surface water within the state, based on the doctrine of prior appropriation—“first in time, first in right.” This means the first person to divert and beneficially use water has priority over others. Water rights are governed by permits and certificates issued by the state, and rights are often tied to specific parcels or projects. Properly protecting rights is essential for agriculture, municipal use, and natural resources. Wyoming’s water rights system aims to ensure fair distribution while maintaining sustainable water management amidst competing needs.