Q: When were the first water laws related to irrigation developed?
A: It is believed that the Sumerian culture was the first to take an interest in managing water resources, maybe even as early as 5000 to 7000 B.C. Taxes were collected from irrigators, and extensive laws were adopted to properly operate and maintain irrigation systems. The Assyrians, located in modern day Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria created extensive irrigation laws around 2400 B.C. Irrigators who were unwilling to cooperate with the laws for maintaining system quality and maintenance and equitable use by all were either beheaded or stoned to death.*

Q: What is a beneficial use of water under the Prior Appropriation Doctrine?
A: Beneficial uses are usually established by state law. Examples of beneficial uses include agriculture, domestic, fish and wildlife, industrial, irrigation, mining, municipal, power generation, and recreation. States may establish other specific uses which are considered beneficial. A right to beneficial use of water by an individual, company or even a public body or governmental agency must be established by following the correct legal processes with the appropriate state water resources agency.*