If you're a property owner in Utah looking to drill a water well, the first step is securing a Utah water well permit. The well permitting process involves filing a Water Right Application with the Utah Division of Water Rights before any drilling can begin. While the process may seem complex, understanding each section of the application will help you avoid costly delays and ensure your permit is approved efficiently. At High Plains Drilling, we've guided hundreds of property owners through this process and are here to help you every step of the way.
Need Help With Your Water Well Permit?
The permitting process doesn't have to be overwhelming. High Plains Drilling has helped hundreds of Utah property owners navigate the Water Right Application — from filling out forms to attaching the right maps. Let our experienced team guide you through every step so your application is complete, accurate, and submitted with confidence.
Get Help From Our TeamStep 1: File a "Water Right Application" with the Utah Division of Water Rights
Section 1: Water Rights
- List all water rights currently associated with the property
- Include the County Tax ID (parcel number) for the property
- Note any existing wells or water sources on the property
💡 County Tax ID can often be found on your property deed. Our team can help look this up if needed.
Section 2: Owner Information
- Full legal name of the property owner(s)
- Mailing address
- Phone number and email address
- Contact person (if different from owner)
Section 3: Quantity of Water
Domestic Use
Standard domestic use for a single-family home is 0.45 acre-feet per year. This covers indoor household use including drinking, cooking, bathing, and sanitation.
Irrigation Use
Irrigation quantities are calculated based on acreage and duty (acre-feet per acre). Common duty rates in Utah:
| Crop / Use | Duty (af/acre) |
|---|---|
| Lawn & Garden | 4.0 |
| Pasture / Hay | 3.0 – 4.0 |
| Row Crops | 2.5 – 3.5 |
Stockwatering
Water for livestock. Quantity depends on the number and type of animals. Typical values range from 0.025 af/year for small animals to 0.05 af/year for cattle.
ELU (Equivalent Livestock Unit)
An ELU is a standard unit used by the State to measure stockwatering needs. One ELU equals the annual water consumption of one mature cow — approximately 0.028 acre-feet per year.
Example Water Quantity Calculation
Domestic: 0.45 af
Irrigation: 0.25 acres × 4.0 af/acre = 1.0 af
Total Quantity to Enter: 1.45 acre-feet
Section 4: Source of Water
You'll need to identify the source (underground) and provide the location using the PLSS (Public Land Survey System) description. Use the Utah Division of Water Rights interactive map tool to find this information.
How to Get Your PLSS Location
- 1Go to the Utah Water Rights Map Tool
- 2Enter your property address in the search bar
- 3Turn the "Tools" layer OFF
- 4Drop a pin on your proposed well location
- 5Note the Latitude and Longitude coordinates
- 6Click "Convert Coordinates" to get the PLSS description
- 7Use the PLSS description on your application
- 8Print the map to attach with your application
Remaining Sections
Section 5
Leave blank — for office use only.
Section 6
Leave blank — for office use only.
Section 7
Leave blank — for office use only.
Section 8
List any additional water rights or applications associated with this project.
Section 9: Nature and Period
Indicate whether the use is perennial (year-round) or seasonal, and specify the period of use.
Section 10: Purpose and Extent
Describe the intended use of water (domestic, irrigation, stockwatering, etc.) and the extent of each use.
Section 11: Place of Use
Describe the land where water will be used, including the PLSS description from Section 4 and the total acreage involved.
Signature Page Reminder
- Sign the application
- Attach the map
- Sign the map
Need Help With Your Water Well Permit?
The permitting process doesn't have to be overwhelming. High Plains Drilling has helped hundreds of Utah property owners navigate the Water Right Application — from filling out forms to attaching the right maps. Let our experienced team guide you through every step so your application is complete, accurate, and submitted with confidence.
Get Help From Our Team