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HomeWater CodeDiv. 2Pt. 2Ch. 1Art. 1§ 1203 Municipal Excess Water Use

§ 1203 Municipal Excess Water Use

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

§ 1203 Municipal Excess Water Use

This law lets a landowner use extra water that a city has if the city isn't using it, but only while the city still doesn't need that water.

Key Takeaways

  • •Extra water owned by a city can be used by a nearby landowner if the city isn't using it.
  • •The landowner can only use the water while the city still has no need for it.
  • •This rule works together with other sections (1460‑1464) but doesn't change them.

Example

A small town has a reservoir that sometimes holds more water than the town needs for drinking and cleaning.

A farmer who owns land next to the reservoir can take that extra water to water his crops, but only as long as the town doesn't need that extra supply. If the town later needs the water for residents, the farmer must stop using it.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1203 Municipal Excess Water Use

Any water the right to the use of which is held by any municipality which is in excess of the existing municipal needs therefor may be appropriated by any person entitled to the possession of land upon which such excess water may be put to beneficial use but the right of such person to use such water shall continue only for such period as the water is not needed by the municipality. This section supplements but does not otherwise affect Sections 1460 to 1464, inclusive. (Added by Stats. 1945, Ch. 1344.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

excess watermunicipalitybeneficial useappropriated

Related Statutes

  • § 1201 Public Water Appropriation
  • § 22075 District Water Supply Authority
  • § 22076 District Water Use Authority
  • § 22078 District Water Use Authority
  • § 100 Water Use And Conservation

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Water Code. Section 1203.
View Official Source