One type of use of a water right is for recreational use. K.A.R. 5-1-1 defines
“recreational use” as “use of water in accordance with a water right that provides entertainment, enjoyment, relaxation, and fish and wildlife benefits.”
A recreational water right is commonly pursued for hunting and fishing purposes. For example, one may wish to pump groundwater from a specified diversion point for the purpose of flooding a pond for duck hunting. The pond would thus be the place of use.
A recreational water right must be developed like any water right. An applicant must seek a permit. A separate and distinct face sheet must be completed for a recreational water right. For someone coming from a perspective of loving the outdoors, a recreational water right is a vital tool.