LawWiki
HomeCodesSearchGlossaryAPIAbout
LawWiki

Plain English summaries of California law with zero-hallucination AI. Every summary is verified against official source text.

Product

  • Search
  • Codes
  • About

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Disclaimer

© 2026 LawWiki. All rights reserved.

HomeWater CodeDiv. 2Pt. 2Ch. 2Art. 1§ 1253 Water Appropriation Public Interest

§ 1253 Water Appropriation Public Interest

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

§ 1253 Water Appropriation Public Interest

This law says the government can give permission to use water that hasn't been claimed yet, as long as it's good for the public and helps use water wisely.

Key Takeaways

  • •The government controls who can use unclaimed water.
  • •They only allow it if it's good for everyone.
  • •The water must be used carefully, not wasted.

Example

A farmer wants to use water from a river to grow crops.

The government can say yes if it helps the community and doesn't waste water.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1253 Water Appropriation Public Interest

The board shall allow the appropriation for beneficial purposes of unappropriated water under such terms and conditions as in its judgment will best develop, conserve, and utilize in the public interest the water sought to be appropriated. (Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

appropriationbeneficial purposesunappropriated waterpublic interest

Related Statutes

  • § 1250.5 Small Hydroelectric Permit Review
  • § 1252 Water Permit Application Rules
  • § 1256 Water Resource Planning Considerations
  • § 1257 Water Appropriation Considerations
  • § 11200 Project Construction Unity

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Water Code. Section 1253.
View Official Source