Historic Water Rights & California Legislation on Pre-1914 Water Claims

California legislature passes bill on pre-1914 water claims

If approved by the governor, California's recently-passed Senate Bill 389 will subject pre-1914 water claims to greater regulatory scrutiny.

California legislation takes aim at historic, rural water rights

Historic, pre-1914 water rights in California are the target of proposed legislation that has the potential to upend longstanding water rights relied upon by farmers and water districts.

Western-Water is for laypeople who are interested in general water news and their water rights. Managed by a water paralegal with over 30 years' experience in Arizona water issues, you'll find calculators, tips and general information geared for water users in the Colorado River states. Do not rely on this site for legal advice. The picture was taken while hiking at Aravaipa Canyon, a must see!

This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. We also provide ads from Google and other sources and may make a commission from those ads, at no cost to you.

Helen c on Lake Mead sinks to record low amid basin droughtAugust 18, 2026
This is ominous. There's some small reason to hope, if the weather cooperates but we need to get cracking.
Helen c on Water tops Arizona voters’ worries, new poll showsAugust 18, 2026
An informed and involved citizenry is required to hold those in positions of authority to account. We have to be…
Helen c on EPA tool helps states spot water problems earlyAugust 18, 2026
This is certainly a step in the right direction. Preemptive action is a great start.
Helen c on Banking water underground for the next droughtAugust 12, 2026
The official conclusion that banking water can help but is not a complete solution seems....obvious. But better something than nothing.…
Helen c on Climate change made 2026 snow drought 4x more likelyAugust 12, 2026
For 46 years since I've lived here, our mountains have had large snow caps all year round. The past couple…