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HomeWater CodeDiv. 2Pt. 2Ch. 1Art. 4§ 1243 Water For Wildlife And Recreation

§ 1243 Water For Wildlife And Recreation

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

§ 1243 Water For Wildlife And Recreation

This law says that using water for fun activities like swimming or fishing, and protecting fish and animals, is a good and important use of water. When deciding how much water can be used for other things, the people in charge must think about how much water is needed for these activities and for fish and animals.

Key Takeaways

  • •Using water for fun and protecting fish and animals is important.
  • •Before giving water to someone for another use, the people in charge must check if there is enough water left for fun and for fish and animals.
  • •This law does not change the rights of people who own land next to the water.

Example

A company wants to take water from a river to use in their factory.

Before they can take the water, the people in charge must check if there is enough water left in the river for people to swim and fish, and for the fish and animals that live there. If taking the water would hurt these things, they might not let the company take as much water.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1243 Water For Wildlife And Recreation

(a) The use of water for recreation and preservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources is a beneficial use of water. In determining the amount of water available for appropriation for other beneficial uses, the board shall take into account, when it is in the public interest, the amounts of water required for recreation and the preservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources. (b) The board shall notify the Department of Fish and Wildlife of an application for a permit to appropriate water. The Department of Fish and Wildlife shall recommend the amounts of water, if any, required for the preservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources and shall report its findings to the board. (c) This section does not affect riparian rights. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 683, Sec. 51. (SB 798) Effective January 1, 2016.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

beneficial use of waterpreservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife resourcespublic interestDepartment of Fish and Wildlife

Related Statutes

  • § 1242 Underground Water Storage Use
  • § 1242.5 Water Storage For Quality Protection
  • § 1243.5 Water Allocation Public Interest
  • § 1017 Water Transfer Beneficial Use
  • § 105 State Water Resource Development

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Water Code. Section 1243.
View Official Source