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Show DESIGNATED CRITICAL OR OTHER GROUND WATER AREAS 659 illustrates the fact that the artesian character of the water does not affect the rules concerning ownership or use of it. Utah There is no difference in Utah between the treatment of artesian waters and other ground waters.253 The Code does provide that the State Engineer may plug, repair, or otherwise control artesian wells wasting water.254 Washington Artesian waters are subject to appropriation in the same manner as other ground waters in Washington.2SS It is unlawful in irrigation areas to allow an artesian well to flow during the period between October 15 and March 15 of each year, except for domestic and livestock watering purposes.256 When anyone fails to cap his well properly during this period, any owner of neighbor- ing land may enter and cap it and all expenses incurred in so doing are a lien on the well.257 DESIGNATED CRITICAL OR OTHER GROUND WATER AREAS Many Western States have enacted laws providing for the designation of critical or other ground water areas. These laws are designed to conserve ground water in areas where the supply is in danger of exhaustion owing to excessive withdrawals, decreased recharge, or other factors. Such statutes include those in the following discussions of the applicable laws in particular States.258 Arizona The State Land Department designates critical ground water areas, although the act provides no criteria for such designation.259 Such an area is designated only after public hearings and the filing by the department of an 253See Wrathall v. Johnson, 86 Utah 50, 40 Pac. (2d) 755 (1935). 254 Utah Code Ann. § 73-2-21 (Supp. 1969). 255 Wash. Rev. Code §§ 90.44.035 and 90.44.040 (Supp. 1961). 2S6Id. § 90.36.020. 2ilId. § 90.36.040. 258States formerly having fegislation regarding critical ground water areas include Colorado and Oklahoma. See Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 148-18-3 (1963), repealed, Laws 1965, § 158; Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 82, § § 1001-1019, repealed, Laws 1972, ch. 248, § 23. 259 Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 45-308 (Supp. 1969). |