Appropriative Water Rights in California: Background and Issues

This paper is part of a series of background and issue papers prepared by the staff of the Governor’s Commission to Review California Water Rights Law.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction

II. Historical Background of Appropriative Rights

III.  The Mechanics of Prior Appropriation

IV.  Statements of Water Diversion and Use

V.  Disputes Over Rights to Water

VI.  Enforcement

VII.  Loss of Appropriative Rights

VIII.  Criticisms of Prior Appropriation Doctrine

IX.  Water Use Planning and Allocation

Issues