Water Rights Developments By mbmudd Jan 1, 1885 Bannack Statutes Period: Jan 1, 1885 to Jul 1, 1973 Pre-Water Use Act Sep 16, 1897 Use Rights Judicially Validated Murray v. Tingley held that statutory or "filed" water rights were not the exclusive method of perfecting a water right. Traditional use rights through intent, diversion, and beneficial use will also be allowed. Jan 1, 1961 Groundwater Appropriation Recognized By Statute