METADATA: Water Right Distribution Network

Revised: January 29, 2026

The Utah Water Right Distribution Network is managed by the Utah Division of Water Rights (DWRi) to regulate and distribute the state's water resources. Given Utah's arid climate, water allocation follows the Doctrine of Prior Appropriation, which prioritizes water rights based on the earliest documented beneficial use (Senior vs. Junior rights).

*** This layer is under development by the Water Right Network Team and is subject to change. ***

NETNODES TABLE

Points representing junctions, diversions, and measurement locations.

ElementDescription
OBJECTIDUnique identifier for each record within the GIS system.
LatLatitude coordinate of the node.
LonLongitude coordinate of the node.
NodeTypeNumerical code representing the type of node (e.g., diversion, junction).
NodeNameName of the node, if applicable.
systemIdIdentifier linking the node to a larger water system.
recordIdUnique identifier for the database record.
NodeIdUnique identifier for the node itself.
PouPolygonIdIdentifier for a related "Place of Use" polygon.
ShapeGeometry type (Point).

NET FLOWLINES TABLE

Linear features defining the paths (streams, canals, pipelines) that connect nodes.

ElementDescription
ToNodeID of the node where the flowline ends.
recordIdUnique record identifier.
OBJECTIDUnique GIS object identifier.
FromNodeID of the node where the flowline begins.
FlowlineTypeNumerical code for the type of flowline (e.g., stream, canal).
FlowlineNameThe official name of the flowline feature.
EndDateDate when the flowline record became inactive or invalid.
BegDateDate when the flowline record became active.
LiningMaterial used to line the flowline (e.g., concrete, earth).
RelativeSizeNumerical value indicating the relative size or capacity of the flowline.
NHDIdNational Hydrography Dataset identifier for cross-referencing.
Shape__LengthCalculated length of the flowline feature.

NETFIELDS TABLE

Polygonal representations of the areas covered by specific distribution systems.

ElementDescription
OBJECTIDUnique GIS object identifier.
NodeIdID of the node associated with the distribution system.
DistributionSystemName of the distribution system.
Shape__AreaArea covered by the distribution system feature.
Shape__LengthPerimeter or length of the distribution system feature.
ShapeGeometry type (Polygon).

PATHPOINTS TABLE

Defines the specific sequence of nodes that constitute a logical water path.

ElementDescription
OBJECTIDUnique GIS object identifier.
recordIdUnique record identifier.
PathIdIdentifier for the path the node belongs to.
NodeIdID of the node in the path.
PointTypeNumerical code indicating the role of the node (e.g., start, end, intermediate).

NETPATHS TABLE

Links administrative water right records to physical network paths.

ElementDescription
OBJECTIDUnique GIS object identifier.
recordIdUnique record identifier.
wrnumWater right number associated with the record.
FromChnumRefers to a "Change Number" related to water rights administration.
PathTypeNumerical code for the type of path.
BegDateStart date for the water right or record.
EndDateEnd date for the water right or record.
SystemIdIdentifier for the associated water system.

NETPATHLINES TABLE

Defines the flow direction and order of flowlines within a specific path.

ElementDescription
OBJECTIDUnique GIS object identifier.
recordIdUnique record identifier.
PathIdIdentifier for the path.
SortOrderNumerical value to order flowlines within a path.
FlowlineIDID of the flowline in the path.
FlowDirFlow direction (e.g., upstream, downstream).

MEASUREMENT STATIONS TABLE

Monitoring locations for flow, reservoir levels, and diversion rates.

ElementDescription
OBJECTIDUnique GIS object identifier.
STATION_IDUnique identifier for the monitoring station.
STATION_NAMEName of the monitoring station.
SYSTEM_NAMEName of the water system the station monitors.
UNITS_IDIdentifier for the units of measurement used.
NodeIdID of the associated node, if any.
X_UTMUTM Easting coordinate of the station.
Y_UTMUTM Northing coordinate of the station.
FlowlineIdID of the associated flowline, if any.
STATUSOperational status of the station (e.g., active, inactive).
UNITS_DESC_BASEDescription of base units (e.g., CFS, Feet).
URLWeb link to more information or telemetry data.
longitudeLongitude coordinate of the station.
latitudeLatitude coordinate of the station.
site_typeType of monitoring site (e.g., streamgage, reservoir).
DatasetTypeType of data collected at the station.
DataEntryMethodMethod used to enter data for the station.
ShapeGeometry type (Point).