§ 11461 Department Water Rights Protection

Water Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says the government can't take away or reduce people's water rights unless they buy them or follow specific rules. It only applies to what the government does, not to regular people or other groups.

Key Takeaways

•The government can't take away water rights without buying them or following rules.
•This rule only applies to what the government does, not to regular people or other groups.
•If you have water rights, the government can't just take them away.

Example

A farmer has been using water from a river for years to grow crops.

The government can't just stop the farmer from using that water unless they buy the rights from the farmer or follow the rules in this law.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 11461 Department Water Rights Protection

In no other way than by purchase or otherwise as provided in this part shall water rights of a watershed, area, or the inhabitants be impaired or curtailed by the department, but the provisions of this article shall be strictly limited to the acts and proceedings of the department, as such, and shall not apply to any persons or state agencies. (Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

water rights watershed department purchase

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Water Code. Section 11461.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References