During this current California drought, I’ve been thinking it would be neat to have a book sitting on the shelf, titled, “California Water Rights for Dummies.” However, such a titled doesn’t exist.
I had wondered how these rights came to be granted in our state. They seemed complex. It turns out I wasn’t wrong in that assumption.
Last evening, TV station KOVR, Sacramento CBS Local – Channel 13, provided programing titled, “California Drought.” It focused on water rights – Who has them, and how they got them. The special revealed that experts believe California’s Water Rights system is one of the more complex on the globe.
KOVR's Nick Janes presented the detailed journey, of how the state has awarded water rights, for 5 times more water than we actually have. It began during California Gold Rush days, when miners required water for their operations. Riparian rights, which took water from rivers, came first, followed by “First in Line – First in Right.” In those early days of California's Wild West, a person could simply post a sign on a tree announcing they had rights. It wasn’t until 1913 that an agency was formed to oversee our state water rights came into existence. However, all prior rights leading up to the agency formation were grandfathered in, making them senior rights holders - All subsequent rights holders being junior to them.
The “California Drought” will enlighten you. It will fascinate you. At times it will frustrate you, and make you angry. You can access the stories and video directly via: “California Drought – As Presented by Sacramento CBS Local”
If you are a Californian, I highly recommend reading or watching it!
The picture above was taken at Folsom Lake on January 1st 2014. The docks in the foreground are a testament to the effects of the drought. Boats can be seen above in the parking lot.
I take pictures for the purpose of remembering fond times. I do not impose copyright restrictions on this photo, so you may feel free to use, or distribute as you wish. However, should you need a Real Estate Professional in the Greater Sacramento area, I hope that you will contact me by email or by visiting my website www.myrljeffcoat.com - Thank You!
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