*This article is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.*

I recently drafted an article for the Progressive Cattleman Magazine discussing the basic laws surrounding livestock wells in Western states.

Many states provide some form of exemption from the permitting process for people seeking to drill livestock wells.  Thirteen states provide specific exemptions for livestock wells:  Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.  The specific laws vary by state and can be quite different with regard to what constitutes “livestock watering,” what portion of the permitting process is excused, and the amount of water that may be withdrawn for a livestock well.  It is important for producers to understand the law surrounding livestock wells in their state.

To read the full article, click here.