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0082:2 . CHAPTER V WATER RESOURCES Water Rights Rights covering present water uses in the study area have been es- tablished in accordance with State law. While details of appropriation procedures differ somewhat in Utah and Colorado, the intent and objec- tives of the water laws are similar. As is commonly the case in the western States, the cumulative rights of the water users generally cover more water than flows naturally in the source. This condition has been permitted to develop SO that even the highest streamflows, usually of short duration, can be distributed to the users according to their rights if the water can be used beneficially. Distribution is made under the rule that first in time is first in right. As streamflows recede, diversions to the appropriators are cut off in de- scending order of priorities. 'ilater distribution is usually supervised by a watermaster employed by the water users. . Even though existing rights may normally exceed the water supply, there are opportunities for further developments on some sources. Spring runoff may exceed the rights or the capacity of the diversion and con- veyance works of present appropriators. Streamflows outside the irriga- tion season, unless already utilized or stored, can be appropriated and stored, if necessary, for later use under new developments. Return flows from lands now irrigated or planned to be irrigated may be further uti- lized in some locations. A cardinal principle of water law is that a right is limited to the extent the water is beneficially used so that water if continually unused is subject to appropriation for new uses. Any potential water-consuming development in the area must be con- sidered in the light of the right of the State in which it ia located to further deplete the flow of the Colorado River. The waters of the river were divided between the Upper and Lower Colorado River Basins by the Colorado River Compact of 1922. Depletion allowances made to the Upper Basin were apportioned among the Upper Basin States, including Utah and Colorado, by the Upper Colorado River Compact of 1948. All known poten- tialities for water resource developments in these two States cannot be consummated within the States' allowable depletion. State authorities will no doubt influence the selection of projects for development that can best utilize the remaining water supply. Potential Weather Modification Both the La Sal and Abajo Mountain areas present a potential for precipitation management, although not as favorable as the major moun- tainous areas of the Colorado River Basin. Mountain lands above 9,000 feet in elevation would be the best target for increased precipitation . 57