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

Heading: Impairment of Rights

Text: SDCL 46-2A-9 governs water right permits: A permit to appropriate water may be issued only if there is reasonable probability that there is unappropriated water available for the applicant's proposed use, that the proposed diversion can be developed without unlawful impairment of existing rights and that the proposed use is a beneficial use and in the public interest. Landowners contend that the Second permit would impair the quality of water flowing to DeKay's property and the quantity of water reaching Hines' property. The court found that the permit would not change existing natural conditions and that it would not impair the quality of water reaching DeKay's property or the quantity of water reaching Hines' property. Landowners have failed to show that the finding was erroneous.