Property Ownership

Under Utah's prior appropriation water rights doctrine, the phrase 'first in time, first in right' means:

AThe property owner adjacent to water has the first right to use it
BEarlier water rights holders have priority over later holders during shortages✓ Correct
CWater rights expire after a fixed period of non-use
DThe State of Utah owns all water rights in the state

Explanation

Utah follows the prior appropriation doctrine for water rights. During water shortages, senior (earlier) water rights holders have priority to use their full allocation before junior (later) rights holders can use any water. This is called 'first in time, first in right.'

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