45-181. Definitions
In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. " Beneficial use" includes but is not limited to use for domestic, municipal, recreation, wildlife, including fish, agricultural, mining, stockwatering and power purposes.
2. " Person" means any individual, partnership, association, public or private corporation, city or other municipality, county or state agency, a recognized Indian tribe and the United States of America when claiming water rights established under the laws of this state.
3. " Public waters" or " water" means waters of all sources flowing in streams, canyons, ravines or other natural channels or in definite underground channels, whether perennial or intermittent, flood, waste or surplus water, and of lakes, ponds and springs on the surface.