Owning a well on BLM land?

[Rail Dawg]

We have a few dozen claims in Rye Patch, NV.

Next to us on BLM land is a deep well with lots of water.

The BLM section is claimed up.

Is a well part of the claim?

We have considered getting a permit and sinking our own well.

Just curious what your thoughts are on the project.

 

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[Kurios1]

Remember the Bundy standoff with the BLM? Those guys are a militarized arm of the US government. They don't mess around with us "peasants". Not exactly sure of all the details but, the BLM is trying to force ALL the common folks OUT of our land. Whatever happened to "This land is your land. this land is our land?" There is a water "war" going on even now. They know we can't survive without it. Getting ridiculous when folks are being fined for collecting rainwater. This once great nation is going down the crapper.

 

[Clay Diggins]

Subsurface water is not one of the mineral rights that come with a mining claim. Often nearby surface waters can be used on your mining claim but subsurface waters and the wells that reach into them are a very different matter.

You MAY be able to achieve a permit for the well water depending on the State laws on water use. The aquifer that the well is tapping does not belong to one land owner. Most commonly subsurface waters are attached to prior use rights and subsequent allotments for beneficial use of the aquifer. In other words every situation is different. Generally speaking if there is enough water to go around and you can show a beneficial use (mining is a beneficial use) you can get access to the aquifer through a new or existing well.

 

[Honest Samuel]

Nothing is wasted if you ask BLM for permission. If they refused, dig your own well. I hope you find your weight in gold.