Opinion ID: 1679190
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Future use

Text: FWS sought the right to the continued natural flow of six springs if the water table dropped due to conditions or use by others. Landowners argue that the Second permit would improperly reserve a future use by protecting against future diminution. Under SDCL 46-5-38, only a few enumerated agencies may reserve future water rights. FWS concedes that it is not one of the statutorily enumerated agencies. The springs' natural flow was intended for current use to maintain 235 acres of marshes and other waterfowl habitat. Although FWS did not intend to divert any of the natural flow, [1] the court found that the use was current and that the permit was not granted for an impermissible future use. Landowners have not shown this to be error.