Section R655-5-4 - Mapping Standards4.1 The State Engineer will determine the suitability of any proof map or application map submitted to the Division of Water Rights.4.2 Maps for proof of beneficial use of water or diligence claims submitted to the State Engineer shall meet certain standards.4.2.1 Maps shall be prepared by a Utah-licensed professional engineer or a Utah-licensed professional land surveyor and must be based on a competent survey. The professional engineer or professional land surveyor shall affix their seal and shall sign and date the map.4.2.2 Standard mapping conventions must be used in completing the map and shall include: (2) a scale in both written and graphic form;(3) a legend describing any symbols used on the map;(5) distinct line quality;(6) shading or hatching of the irrigated acreage; and(7) a clearly delineated boundary of the irrigated area.4.2.3 Surveys must be tied to a section corner, for example, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Northwest or a quarter section corner, for example, North quarter, East quarter, South quarter, West quarter, of the section, township, and range survey for the area of use. The map must show the basis of bearing when metes and bounds descriptions are utilized. A basis of bearing may be omitted from the map when descriptions are based solely on the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) nomenclature. Any public roads adjacent to or near the property surveyed should be shown on the map. If within a legally platted subdivision, the subdivision name and lot and block designations of the subject parcels shall also be shown.4.2.4 The title block must include the following: water right number, application number, date of the survey, name of the applicant, name and license number of the professional engineer or land surveyor, and the section, township, and range where the parcel in question is located.4.2.5 Maps must be submitted on standard drafting medium that is durable and reproducible. 4.2.5.1 Small sized maps. The preferred map sizes are eight and a half x 11 inches or eight and a half x 14 inches. Maps of this size should be used when possible and particularly for irrigated acreage of five acres or less. Maps of small parcels shall be drawn to the largest scale practical. The smallest scale allowable on small maps is one inch = 300 feet or one: 3600.4.2.5.2 Large sized maps. If a larger sized map is needed, the dimensions shall be 24 x 36 inches. If a larger map is submitted a digital copy must be submitted in conjunction with the larger map. The title block shall appear in the lower right-hand corner, with the long side of the map being the bottom. Larger maps shall be rolled for mailing or transport. If mailed, a protective mailing tube or box shall be used. Large sized maps shall be accompanied by a small sized map, to be placed on the associated water right file with a note stating a large sized map was submitted as the official map of the application or proof.4.3 Maps submitted with applications for use of water may be based upon any of the following:(1) A map based on a competent survey as defined in Subsection R655-5-2 (2.2);(2) All or part of a County Recorder's ownership plat map;(3) All or part of a USGS topographic quadrangle map;(4) All or part of a recorded subdivision plat map;(5) An aerial photograph with adequate land location information using the PLSS;(6) All or part of a previously filed proof map;(7) All or part of a hydrographic survey map prepared by the Division of Water Rights in a general adjudication; or(8) Any other type of reference map that adequately depicts the land location and provides the necessary location information using the PLSS.4.3.2 The water user is responsible for the accuracy of the map. After the map is filed, any corrections or adjustments are the responsibility of the applicant. Amendments may be made when proof is filed, or earlier by filing an amended map. Amended maps filed before proof shall be prepared in accordance with the standards governing the initial submittal, shall be clearly labeled as amended, and shall bear the date of amendment.4.3.3 Standard mapping conventions should be used in completing the application map, including the following:(2) a scale should be indicated both written and graphically;(3) a legend describing any symbols used on the map;(5) distinct line quality;(6) shading or hatching of the irrigated acreage; and(7) a clearly delineated boundary of the irrigated area.4.3.4 Any referenced land boundaries must be tied to a section corner for example, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Northwest or a quarter section corner, for example, North quarter, East quarter, South quarter, West quarter, of the section, township, and range survey for the area of use. Any public road adjacent to or near the depicted place of beneficial use should be shown on the map. If the place of beneficial use is within a legally platted subdivision, the subdivision name and the lot or block designation, and parcel number of the subject parcel shall also be shown. The map must contain, at minimum, adequate information to determine the quarter-quarter section or government lot, for the place of beneficial use.4.3.5 A signed applicant's certificate shall be included upon or attached to each application map submitted. The certificate shall read: "I,............, hereby acknowledge that this map or, the map attached to this application, consisting of .... pages numbered .... to ...., was prepared in support of Application ......... I hereby accept and submit this map as a true representation of the facts shown thereon to the best of my/our knowledge and belief."4.3.6 Map Sizes. See Subsections R655-5-4 (4.2.5.1) and (4.2.5.2).Utah Admin. Code R655-5-4
Adopted by Utah State Bulletin Number 2024-01, effective 12/14/2023