Proposed rules governing the adoption of tribal water codes on Indian reservations were published March 17 in the Federal Register, Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs Raymond v. Butler announced today.
The regulations, designed to preserve and protect Indian water rights, establish the standards which tribal codes must meet to be approved by the Secretary of the Interior when such approval is required.
The regulations allow for the adoption of codes which follow an individual permit system. They also set forth the conditions under which the Secretary of the Interior may establish a water code for a reservation.
Comments, suggestions or objections regarding the proposed regulations should be sent to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20245 not later than April 18, 1977.
