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HomeWater CodeDiv. 2Pt. 3Ch. 3Art. 3§ 2551 Water Use Investigation Requirements

§ 2551 Water Use Investigation Requirements

Water Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 2551 Water Use Investigation Requirements

Key Takeaways

  • •If you want to claim water rights, you must tell the board first.
  • •The board will check your water use after giving you 30 days' notice.
  • •You or someone you trust must be there when they check your water use.
  • •They will look at how much land you water, how you get the water, and how much you use.

Example

A farmer wants to claim water rights for their fields.

The farmer tells the board they want to claim water rights. The board gives them 30 days' notice and then checks how much water the farmer uses, how they get the water, and how much land they water. The farmer or someone they trust must be there during the check.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 2551 Water Use Investigation Requirements

During the investigation the representatives of the board shall, after 30 days’ notice in writing to each person who has given notice of intent to file proof of claim, conduct a detailed field investigation of such person’s use of water, and shall determine the acreage under irrigation or otherwise define the place of use and purpose of use, determine the location and capacity of such person’s diversion works and conduits conveying water from the stream system, and the amount of water diverted and reasonably required to satisfy the uses being made. It shall be the duty of each claimant to be present at some time during the detailed field investigation either in person or by an agent who is authorized to sign the proof of claim. (Repealed and added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 545.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

detailed field investigationproof of claimdiversion worksplace of usepurpose of use

Related Statutes

  • § 2552 Water Claim Investigation Requirements
  • § 2553 Claimant Proof Of Claim
  • § 2555 Water User Claim Process
  • § 2769 Water Right Decree Requirements
  • § 10640 Urban Water Plan Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Water Code. Section 2551.
View Official Source