42-308. User; forfeiture. Any right of appropriation shall exist and continue only by the exercise thereof in a lawful manner. The failure of the appropriator continuously to apply such water to lawful and beneficial uses, for a period of three years, without due and sufficient cause shown for such failure, shall constitute a forfeiture and surrender of such right.

History: L. 1891, ch. 133, art. 1, § 8; R.S. 1923, 42-308; L. 1945, ch. 390, § 18; June 28.