The need for drainage in Utah was widely recognized before 1900, resulting in passage of a drainage district law in 1896 and provision for cooperative drainage research beginning in 1904. The drainage district laws, developed and improved during the half-century ending 1948, have served as the major basis for drainage organization in the state.
Maughan, J. Howard; Israelsen, Orson W.; and Hanson, Eldon G., "Bulletin No. 333 - Drainage Districts in Utah: Their Activities and Needs" (1949). UAES Bulletins. Paper 294.