WYOMING WATER RIGHTS CONSULTING (WWRC) is dedicated to helping Wyoming’s water users fully identify, develop, utilize, perfect and protect their water resources. We have designed our water resource services to detect and correct any discrepancies between the client’s water rights of record and their actual use of water – before those situations become serious problems. It has been our experience that water users are only using 60-80% of their water rights. Further, the water rights too often do not reflect the water facilities that exist on the property. Whether you are purchasing a property and need due diligence assistance; or the ranch has been in the family for generations, we can serve your needs!
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
WATER AUDIT SERVICES
Are you fully utilizing the water supplies you have a right to use? Are there legal or infrastructure bottlenecks preventing you from meeting your current and future operational needs? We will determine the water rights, the functionality of your water infrastructure, the available water supply(s), and the current water use for your operation. Moreover, we will help you determine the additional water needs for any planned future expansion of your operation. We can model the water supply, water delivery, water use, and other factors vs. the water demands (present and planned) to ascertain the adequacy of your rightful water supply and your water diversion and delivery infrastructure. This will identify both the legal and potential infrastructure impediments that might prevent you from utilizing all your available water supply(s). Further, we have the expertise and experience to advise you of the options available for addressing such problems. We will work with you to effectively resolve concerns in your operation’s best interest!
DUE DILIGENCE SERVICES
As a Buyer, you deserve to know what assets and liabilities come with the property! WET-WWRC treats your purchase as if it were our own. Utilizing our unique expertise and professional experience, we can complete a comprehensive investigation of the property to include: water rights of record; existing water use and water facilities; available water resources; perimeter fencelines; boundary concerns; easements of record; evidence of encroachments; and other pertinent matters. Through records research, extensive on-site examination, and aerial surveys, we will document, photograph, map and report our findings. You can know the full extent of the investigated assets and liabilities prior to the closing!
ADVISORY SERVICES
We’ll answer your questions in plain Wyoming English – questions you may be hesitant to ask government officials. Use our expertise and experience to assist you with making the right decisions about your water rights and water use. Give us a call!
WATER RIGHT SEARCHES
Identify the water rights of record attached to the property. We prepare a Water Rights Abstract containing the water rights documentation and our determination of the specific water rights, or portions of water rights, that are appurtenant to the lands described on the deed. We can inventory all or specific types of water rights (depending upon your needs) affecting any identified parcel of land. Searches are performed in the Offices of the State Engineer and State Board of Control by employees of WWRC.
Life is too short to live it without a fish pond! Give us a call!
WATER RIGHTS ASSESSMENTS
Compare the water rights of record with the actual historic use of water on the property – our experience and techniques allow us to fully identify the water rights of record, or portions thereof, which have been maintained by beneficial use. We provide specific recommendations for using and protecting your water rights.
WATER RIGHTS MANAGEMENT PLANS
We provide you with a comprehensive and practical strategy for perfecting your water rights while incorporating your water needs and land use objectives. We identify and schedule actions necessary to fully develop and perfect the water rights asset for the continued benefit to the property owner. Differences between the water rights of record and the actual water systems and uses of water on the property are identified. Recommendations are provided for resolving these situations in the best interests of the client. Further, we are available to assist you with any needed improvements on the ground and with all appropriate water rights changes/additions to serve your water needs well into the future.
Map Showing Water Rights of Record (click for full size)
COMPOSITE MAPS
Show the water rights of record, irrigated lands, ownership, etc., providing a practical tool for managing the water rights asset of the ranch. We utilize the latest computer-aided drafting, GIS, and graphics software coupled with state of the art technology to create accurate, colored maps showing the water rights, irrigated lands and/or other pertinent resource data. Our maps incorporate a USGS topographic or aerial photographic background as a user-friendly management tool.
Composite Map Showing Water Rights of Record vs. Irrigable Acres (click for full size)
Irrigation application map dated August 15th, 1901. Click image for larger view.
NEW WATER RIGHTS APPLICATIONS/PETITIONS
Are prepared and filed for any beneficial use of water. WWRCI works with the State Engineer’s Office and State Board of Control staff to facilitate efficient and favorable outcomes through these water right processes. We have prepared hundreds of water rights applications and petitions! Our procedures help ensure the client ends up with the water rights they really need and where they need them!
The following examples are maps that are of public record filed in the Wyoming State Engineer’s Office.
Irrigation application map dated April 15th, 1902. Click image for larger view.
Many of the water righted lands in Wyoming are recorded in the State Engineer’s Office on maps such as the two examples above. Many territorial (pre-statehood) water rights were recorded without a map, survey, or field inspection. They often include a “blanket” land description, which can be vague.
The “of record” sheet of the petition map shows the lands as they were described on the original water right documents. Click image for larger view.
The “as changed” sheet of the petition map shows how the water rights have been re-described to fit the present day use and needs of the client. Click image for larger view.
WWRCI prepares detailed, accurate maps showing both the “of record” and “as changed” water rights for the client’s property. Our petition efforts and these maps perfect the client’s water rights!
WATER SYSTEM ASSESSMENTS
We can determine whether you’re getting all of the water that you are entitled to through your irrigation system. Many ditches suffer from problems associated with less than optimal diversion/headgate structures; improperly working flow measurement devices; down-ditch bottlenecks (undersized or damaged culverts, debris buildup and other obstructions); and lack of regular maintenance. If you cannot divert and deliver all of your available water to your field, you are not producing what you should! We can help you divert and convey all of the water to which you are entitled whenever it is available. We can also help you accurately measure your water. See our Water Measurement page for more information.
INVESTIGATIONS
WWRC can research and make determinations of proportionate interests/ownership of ditches, reservoirs, wells and other water facilities and water rights. We can also investigate the capacity/functionality of water systems concerning water system assessments and management; as well as water delivery and use issues.
LITIGATION SUPPORT
Mr. Rhodes is available to attorneys as an expert witness on water, water rights, irrigation, water management and measurement, ditch and ditch rights, reservoir interests/ownership, Section 404 of Clean Water Act, and related issues. Todd and his staff work with counsel, complete investigations and produce exhibits to demonstrate the facts and their investigative findings. Mr. Rhodes’ comprehensive approach, analytical skills and problem-solving abilities have been key to the outcomes of important water cases. Todd and his team have extensive expertise and experience in the water and land surveying fields.
Useful Water Links: Beneficial Use Water Facts Wyoming State Engineer
All of our professional services are easily tailored to suit your individual needs. Please feel welcome to call us to discuss you needs.
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT
WYOMING WATER RIGHTS CONSULTING is not affiliated with any form of local, state or federal government. WWRC recognizes the sensitivity of client information. All water right reports and evaluations are strictly confidential and are maintained solely for the client’s interest.
