Contact: James Buice at ude.metsystu@eciubj

Water for Municipalities

After withholding reasonable water reserves for its grazing and mineral lessees, the University will give first consideration to the present and prospective water needs of municipalities in the area.  Any municipality wishing to enter into a contract for production of water from University Lands should apply for a water exploration permit covering the area in which it is interested.

Industrial Water

After withholding reasonable water reserves for its grazing and mineral lessees and giving consideration to the needs of municipalities in the area, the University will give consideration to industrial water needs when such industrial use will result in multiple benefits to the University.  Industrial use includes water used in the production of saturated brine, production of potable water for industrial sales, and potable water used at plant site facilities.  A contract negotiated with University Lands is required to use water for industrial purposes.

Water for Drilling Oil or Gas Wells

A University Lands mineral lessee may use water from the University lands for oil or gas drilling operations.  Arrangements must be made with the Surface Interests Office and with the Oil, Gas and Mineral Interests Office prior to such water use.  The University will give consideration to requests for water to be used to drill wells on non-University leases.  A contract is required and a negotiated fee must be paid for University water used to drill wells located off the University lands.

Water for Irrigation

The University will not allow the use of its groundwater for irrigation, but will consider issuing irrigation leases when the danger of drainage from adjacent non-University land is apparent.

Water for Highway Construction

The University will give consideration to requests for water to be used in highway construction.  The amount of the payment due to the University shall be negotiated with regard to the projected duration of construction, the number of water source wells requested for use, and the anticipated volume of water to be used.

Water for Waterflooding and Secondary Recovery

The University will not allow potable water from the University lands to be used for waterflooding purposes, but will consider the use of non-potable water for secondary recovery operations.