Temporary instream water use.

SF 87 allows any person to temporarily acquire the use of an existing water right (not new rights) for instream flow purposes - such as maintaining river flow for ecological health - without permanently changing ownership. It requires the state engineer to administer these temporary uses, ensuring they don’t interfere with existing water rights or reduce their value. The temporary right is limited to a specific stream segment, preserves the original water right’s priority date, and lasts no longer than two years. This bill directly affects landowners, environmental groups, or entities seeking short-term water access for river conservation.