‘We are in a time of crisis’: Experts launch effort to update California water laws in the face of climate change and historic injustices
, and now stands at 79% of average for this time of year.
Under existing law, the state requires only that diverters report how much they used in the previous year. They recommended giving the state water board new authority to selectively investigate these water rights claims. Lee said this change would align California with other western states and make for a “more unified water rights system.”
Harder said she and others in the group believe California water law should correct these systemic inequities and protect disadvantaged communities. They suggested the state require local groundwater agencies to determine whether pumping will probably cause more wells to fail, and to ensure protections for people who depend on wells by deepening or repairing their wells if needed, or connecting their homes to new water pipes.