I, Bill Sheffield, have reviewed this Administrative Order and feel it is in the best interest of the public. Therefore, Administrative Order 83 is being re-issued in lieu of Administrative Order 67 which was signed by Governor Jay Hammond on August 14, 1981.

Under the authority of Alaska Statute Title 46, Chapter 15, Water Use Act, the Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the determination and adjudication of rights in waters of the State, and their appropriation and distribution. In order to carry out these provisions in an effective and efficient manner, it is necessary for all appropriators of water to submit applications for water rights to the Department of Natural Resources prior to the diversion, impoundment, or withdrawal of water from any ground or surface source. To ensure that all State agencies are in compliance with this requirement, I hereby order that:

1) All activities funded, permitted, or undertaken by the State or its agencies which involve the diversion, impoundment, or withdrawal of water shall require the submission of applications for water rights to the Department of Natural Resources prior to the construction of appropriation works and actual water appropriation.

2) Any contract to which the State or its agencies is a party under which the diversion, impoundment, or withdrawal of water will occur shall include a mandatory provision for the submission of applications for water rights to the Department of Natural Resources prior to the construction of appropriation works and actual water appropriation.

3) In all instances where the above situations will involve the installation or use of a water well, a water well log containing information prescribed by the Department of Natural Resources shall be submitted to the Department within 30 days of well construction.

This order is for administrative purposes only and is not intended to create any third party rights. This order takes effect immediately.

  S/S Bill Sheffield                          
Bill Sheffield                                  
Governor of the State of Alaska