§ 11961 Water Conservation Rights Protection

Water Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that if you save water, you won't lose the right to use that saved water later. It protects people who try to conserve water.

Key Takeaways

•If you save water, you keep the right to use it later.
•This applies to anyone or any group that saves water.
•The only exceptions are if there’s a special agreement saying otherwise.

Example

A farmer installs a new irrigation system to use less water on their crops.

The farmer won't lose the right to use the water they saved, even if they use less now. They can still use that saved water later if they need it.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 11961 Water Conservation Rights Protection

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, where any person or public agency undertakes any water conservation effort, either separately or jointly, pursuant to any contract with any other water user, which results in a reduced use of water by that person or agency, no forfeiture, dimunition, or impairment of the right to use the water conserved shall occur, except as set forth in the agreements between the parties. (Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 938, Sec. 1.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

water conservation effort forfeiture dimunition impairment right to use the water conserved

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Water Code. Section 11961.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References