Nevada vested water-right claims: December 31, 2027 proof deadline
NDWR's August 11, 2026 notice says claimants of pre-statutory water rights must submit proof by December 31, 2027, or the claim is deemed abandoned.
The Nevada Division of Water Resources' August 11, 2026 notice says a claimant of a pre-statutory water right must submit proof of the water use to the State Engineer on or before December 31, 2027. The notice says a claim is deemed abandoned if the claimant does not submit that proof by the deadline.
NDWR's adjudications guidance says proof-of-appropriation materials require information about the claimed source, place of use and supporting map. The agency currently lists a $60 filing fee for stockwatering claims and $120 for other uses. Claimants should confirm the current form, fee, map and evidence requirements before filing.
This is a procedural deadline for claims of vested rights. It is not a finding that any particular claim is valid, finally adjudicated, transferable or available for sale. Lincoln County example V12824 appears in NDWR's live database with status VESTED RIGHT, no certificate, a spring source, stockwatering use and Basin 205 (Lower Meadow Valley Wash). The live summary currently displays zero balances; this article does not infer a quantity, annual duty, final priority or ownership from that display.
This dated research summary is not legal advice, a water-right title opinion or a conclusion about abandonment. Claimants should confirm the current record with NDWR and consult qualified counsel or a water-rights professional when appropriate.