What happens if a property has water rights but does not utilize them?

When a property has water rights that are not utilized, the rights may be at risk of being lost. This is because many jurisdictions, including Arizona, adhere to a principle known as "use it or lose it" regarding water rights. This means that if the owner of the water rights does not actively use or put these rights to beneficial use, they could potentially be forfeited or relinquished under state law.

In Arizona, water rights are closely regulated to ensure that the limited water resources are properly managed and allocated. If owners do not demonstrate a beneficial use of the water, such as irrigation, domestic use, or other permissible applications, they may lose their claim to those rights. This policy encourages responsible management and utilization of water resources, reflecting the state’s emphasis on water conservation and sustainability.

While it is true that water rights can sometimes be transferred or remain technically valid regardless of use, the key factor here is the potential risk of losing rights due to non-use. Thus, the implication that water rights may be lost is particularly relevant and aligns with common regulations governing water resources in Arizona.