(a) Priority of appropriation gives prior right. Priority of appropriation does not include the right to prevent changes in the condition of water occurrence, such as the increase or decrease of stream flow, or the lowering of a water table, artesian pressure, or water level, by later appropriators, if the prior appropriator can reasonably acquire the appropriator's water under the changed conditions.
(b) Priority of appropriation made under this chapter dates from the filing of an application with the commissioner.
(c) Priority of appropriation perfected before July 1, 1966, shall be determined as provided in AS 46.15.065.
Structure Alaska Statutes
Title 46. Water, Air, Energy, and Environmental Conservation
Article 2. Appropriation and Use of Water.
Sec. 46.15.030. Water reserved to the people.
Sec. 46.15.037. Sale of water by the state.
Sec. 46.15.040. Right to appropriate.
Sec. 46.15.060. Existing rights.
Sec. 46.15.065. Determination of existing rights.
Sec. 46.15.080. Criteria for issuance of permit.
Sec. 46.15.090. Preference in granting permits.
Sec. 46.15.100. Terms of permit.
Sec. 46.15.110. Time for construction and completion.
Sec. 46.15.133. Notices; objections.
Sec. 46.15.140. Abandonment, forfeiture, and reversion of appropriations.
Sec. 46.15.145. Reservation of water.
Sec. 46.15.150. Preferred use.
Sec. 46.15.155. Authorization for temporary use of water.
Sec. 46.15.160. Transfer and change of appropriations.
Sec. 46.15.165. Administrative adjudications.
Sec. 46.15.166. Judicial adjudications.
Sec. 46.15.167. Effect of decision.
Sec. 46.15.168. Other actions.
Sec. 46.15.169. Federal reserved water rights.
Sec. 46.15.170. Effect of recording.