41-3-313. Alterations or repairs of dams or diversion systems; outlets; maintenance; draining by breaching.
(a) All dams and reservoirs hereafter constructed, with or without a controlled inlet, shall contain an outlet controlled by a headgate or other control works. The headgate or control works shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times and in a manner that water impounded by or within a dam or reservoir may be evacuated or maintained at any water level which may be required by the state engineer.
(b) All dams constructed prior to the effective date of this act which have no outlet or means for lowering the reservoir water level in an expeditious manner, may be drained by breaching at the owner's expense when the public safety so requires.
(c) The state engineer and anyone working under his direction and control shall not be held liable for any damages or loss of water resulting from the draining or imposed restrictions as to the use of a reservoir, dam or diversion system.
(d) If within thirty (30) days after presentation of an itemized statement the owner fails to reimburse the state engineer for expenses incurred under this section, any unpaid balance of such expense shall automatically constitute a lien upon lands or other properties of the owner.