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HomeWater CodeDiv. 11Pt. 5Ch. 1Art. 1.5§ 22088 Water Theft And Tampering

§ 22088 Water Theft And Tampering

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

§ 22088 Water Theft And Tampering

Key Takeaways

  • •Don't mess with water controls like gates or boxes if you're not allowed to.
  • •Don't take or use water if the watermaster said you can't.
  • •Breaking these rules can get you in trouble with the law.

Example

A farmer is told by the watermaster not to use extra water for his crops because there isn't enough to go around.

If the farmer ignores the watermaster and takes the extra water anyway, he can be charged with a crime.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 22088 Water Theft And Tampering

Every person who willfully and without authority closes, changes, or interferes with any headgate, waterbox, or measuring device while it is under the control of the watermaster, or who willfully takes or uses water which has been denied him by the watermaster under the provisions of this part is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 780, Sec. 1.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

headgatewaterboxmeasuring devicewatermastermisdemeanor

Related Statutes

  • § 4175 Water Theft And Tampering
  • § 22082.5 Headgate Locking Requirements
  • § 22083.5 Watermaster Conduit Closure Authority
  • § 22086 Watermaster Control Notices
  • § 22080.5 Watermaster Deputy Authority

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Water Code. Section 22088.
View Official Source