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.~. \~)8 :\' \:J., "' ~.' ,- DRAFT The General Assembly enacted legislation in 1969 which changes the procedure for determination of water rights and changes in and transfers of water rights, and provides for plans for augmentation. It is not applicable to designated groundwater basins nor to wells sole.1y for stock watering, domestic or other purposes, not exceeding fifty gallons per minute of flow. Determination of water rights should be more efficient, less expensive, faster and more accurate under the new legis 1a tion. Any person who desires a determination of a water right or conditional water right, and the amount and priority thereof, including a determination that a conditional water right has become a water right by reason of completion of the appropriation, or changes in water rights, or plans for augmentation or biennial. findings of reasonable diligence shall makp. verified application 'to thp '''ater clerk. Those ouposing the appli.cation may file a statement of opposition. After publication of I the application and investigation, the referee may rule on it without conducting a formal hearing, or may refer it to the water judge for his decision. Protests of the referee I.S ruling, as well as ref'erra1s above mentioned, will be heard by the water judge in accordance with trial practice and procedure. The water judge shall either confirm, modify, reverse or reverse and remand the ruling of the referee, and his judg- ment and decree shall contain all pertinent information necessary. Water may be stored either in channel or off-channel reservoirs for future beneficial use. Decrees covering such storage rights may be awarded as for other means of diversion. The storage of water must be followed by application to beneficial use, which term by statute also includes impoundment for recreational purposes, fishery and wildlife. The quantity of water to be stored must be defined, and, in the case of 8.