AGENCY: Washington County (Utah). County Clerk

SERIES: 23254
TITLE: Water claims and breeders certificates
DATES: 1880-1896; 1916-1926.
ARRANGEMENT: Chronological

DESCRIPTION: In 1880 the territorial legislature passed the first act establishing and regulating water rights (Laws of the Territory of Utah, 24th session of the Legislative Assembly, Chapter 20). The legislature appointed the selectmen of each county to act as a water commission to generally oversee the distribution and use of water within their county. The water commission evaluated water resources, adjudicated all claims for water use, and issued water certificates validating rights to use water and specifying the amount. The Washington County recorder's Deed Record Book J, which is entitled "Water Claims and Breeders Certificates," contains the minutes of the meetings of the Washington County Water Commission. After the minutes, the county recorder used this book to record breeders certificates (Dec 1916-Apr 1925). These certificates describe bulls and verify that they are purebred.

RETENTION

DISPOSITION

RETENTION AND DISPOSITION AUTHORIZATION

These records are in Archives' permanent custody.

FORMAT MANAGEMENT

Microfilm master: For records beginning in 1880 through 1925. Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.

Microfilm duplicate: For records beginning in 1880 through 1925. Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.

APPRAISAL

Historical

The minutes of Washington County water commission contain valuable information about the establishment of water rights.

PRIMARY DESIGNATION

Public

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