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Water Law: California Resources

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California Resources

Department of Water Resources

California's water resources, systems, and infrastructure are managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). Responsibilities of the DWR include, but are not limited to:

  • Preventing and responding to water related catastrophes,
  • Educating the public on water issues,
  • Ensuring public safety, and 
  • Providing recreational opportunities.

The DWR has an online library of documents, educational materials, maps, and videos to help with Water Law research.

State Water Resources Control Board

SWRCB.gov

The California State Water Board allocates water rights, adjudicates water right disputes, develops statewide water protection plans, establishes water quality standards, and guides the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards located in the major watersheds of the state. The Regional Boards, each comprised of seven members, serve as the frontline for state and federal water pollution control efforts.

The State Water Boards is comprised of four divisions:

The Water Boards website has a compilation of laws and regulations related to Water Law.

California Office of Administrative Law-California Code of Regulations

Office of Administrative Law Logo

The Office of Administrative Law is responsible for ensuring that agency regulations are clear, necessary, legally valid, and available to the public. Regulations governing water agencies and boards can be found in the following titles of the California Code of Regulations:

Title 14 Natural Resources

Title 23 Waters

Title 27 Environmental Protection

Water Basics Glossary

The topic of Water Law covers many different areas, concepts, and terms. Provided by the California Department of Water Resources, here is a glossary of terms to aid in your water law research:

https://water.ca.gov/Water-Basics/Glossary

 

California Water Code

 

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Searchable version of the California Water Code.