Section 46-202 - Natural streams; unappropriated water; dedication to public use; appropriated water; further appropriation(1) The water of every natural stream not heretofore appropriated within the State of Nebraska, including the Missouri River, is hereby declared to be the property of the public and is dedicated to the use of the people of the state, subject to appropriation.(2) The water of every natural stream within the State of Nebraska, including the Missouri River, appropriated for storage in a surface reservoir or for underground water storage, is hereby declared to be subject to further appropriation for recovery and beneficial use.Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 46-202
Laws 1895, c. 69, § 42, p. 260; R.S.1913, § 3370; Laws 1919, c. 190, tit. VII, art. V, div. 1, § 2, p. 831; C.S.1922, § 8407; C.S.1929, § 46-502; R.S.1943, § 46-202; Laws 1963, c. 277, § 1, p. 833; Laws 1965, c. 271, § 1, p. 773; Laws 1980, LB 802, § 1; Laws 1983, LB 198, § 4.