§ 11460 Watershed Water Rights Protection

Water Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that when the government builds a water project, they can't take away water from the area where the water comes from if the people or land there need it.

Key Takeaways

•The government must leave enough water for the place where the water starts.
•People and land in that area get first rights to the water they need.
•The government can't take water if it hurts the local people or land.

Example

A small town gets its water from a nearby river. The government wants to build a dam upstream to send water to a big city.

The government can't take so much water that the town doesn't have enough left for its people, farms, or animals.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 11460 Watershed Water Rights Protection

In the construction and operation by the department of any project under the provisions of this part a watershed or area wherein water originates, or an area immediately adjacent thereto which can conveniently be supplied with water therefrom, shall not be deprived by the department directly or indirectly of the prior right to all of the water reasonably required to adequately supply the beneficial needs of the watershed, area, or any of the inhabitants or property owners therein. (Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

watershed prior right beneficial needs department

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Water Code. Section 11460.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References