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HomeWater CodeDiv. 2Pt. 4Ch. 6§ 4175 Water Theft And Tampering

§ 4175 Water Theft And Tampering

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

§ 4175 Water Theft And Tampering

Key Takeaways

  • •Don't mess with water controls like gates or boxes if you're not allowed to.
  • •Don't take or use water if the watermaster said you can't.
  • •Breaking these rules can get you in trouble with the law.

Example

A farmer is told by the watermaster that he can't use extra water for his crops during a drought.

If the farmer ignores the watermaster and opens a gate to take more water anyway, he can be charged with a crime.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 4175 Water Theft And Tampering

Every person who wilfully and without authority opens, closes, changes, or interferes with any headgate, waterbox, or measuring device while it is under the control of the wastermaster, or who wilfully takes or uses water which has been denied him by the watermaster under the provisions of this part is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

headgatewaterboxmeasuring devicewatermastermisdemeanor

Related Statutes

  • § 22088 Water Theft And Tampering
  • § 4177 Violation Penalties
  • § 4178 Watermaster Arrest Authority
  • § 22082.5 Headgate Locking Requirements
  • § 22083.5 Watermaster Conduit Closure Authority

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Water Code. Section 4175.
View Official Source