Section 46-6-1 - Vested rights definedThe term, vested rights, as used in this chapter, means:
(1) Beneficial uses of groundwater under diversions and applications of water before February 28, 1955;(2) The right to take and use groundwater for beneficial purposes if an owner or lawful agent was engaged in the construction of works for the actual application of water to a beneficial use on February 28, 1955, if the works are completed and water is actually applied for such use within a reasonable time after that date.SL 1955, ch 431, § 1; SDC Supp 1960, § 61.0401 (11); SL 2011, ch 165, §274.