A.R.S. § 45-151: Right of appropriation; permitted uses; water rights in stockponds

A. Any person, the state of Arizona or a political subdivision thereof may appropriate unappropriated water for domestic, municipal, irrigation, stock watering, water power, recreation, wildlife, including fish, nonrecoverable water storage pursuant to section 45-833.01 or mining uses, for his personal use or for delivery to consumers. The person, the state of Arizona or a political subdivision thereof first appropriating the water shall have the better right.

B. To effect the beneficial use, the person, the state of Arizona or a political subdivision thereof appropriating the water may construct and maintain reservoirs, storage facilities pursuant to chapter 3.1 of this title, dams, canals, ditches, flumes and other necessary waterways.

C. A water right in a stockpond, certified pursuant to article 10 of this chapter, shall be recognized as if such water had been appropriated pursuant to this article.