New regulations governing extensions of time to file Proof of Completion of Work and Proof of Application of Water to Beneficial Use took effect on July 1, 2026. These updates follow the Division of Water Resources’ recent review of its regulations, which highlighted the need to improve clarity, reduce administrative burdens, and modernize the extension of time process.
As part of this review, the Division held a public meeting and accepted written comments from the public. This feedback helped identify portions of the previous regulations that were outdated, confusing, or created unnecessary hurdles for applicants. The updated regulations are intended to make the process easier to understand, more consistent, and more accessible for all users.
With the approval of the new regulations, the Division is also releasing updated extension of time forms. There are now only two forms: one for Proof of Completion of Work and one for Proof of Application of Water to Beneficial Use. Manner‑of‑use‑specific forms are no longer required. Each new form contains just nine questions and uses standardized language to make the process easier to navigate. The forms also incorporate the updated documentation and year‑by‑year planning requirements. Applicants should begin using these forms immediately for all future extension of time submissions.
To assist users, the Division has also created a Help and Instruction document that address common questions. This guide walks through each question on the new forms, provides brief explanations of the required information, and includes a section on manner‑of‑use‑specific metrics that may be used to demonstrate good faith and reasonable diligence.
All updated forms and resources are available on the Division’s website under the Water Right Forms.
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