A.R.S. § 48-2902

This chapter shall not be construed as authority to any district or district officers to divert the water of a river, creek, stream, canal or reservoir to the injury or damage of any person or persons having a prior right to such water, prior to such time as the amount of the injury or damage has been ascertained and paid to the party who is injured thereby, in proceedings under the laws of the state relative to the taking of private property for public use.