SECTIONS 2500-2503 - California Statutes

WATER CODE

SECTION 2500-2503

2500. As used in this chapter, "stream system" includes stream,
lake, or other body of water, and tributaries and contributory
sources, but does not include an underground water supply other than
a subterranean stream flowing through known and definite channels.

2500.5. (a) As used in this chapter with respect to the Scott River
in Siskiyou County, "stream system" includes ground water supplies
which are interconnected with the Scott River, but does not include
any other underground water supply.
(b) The Legislature finds and declares that by reason of the
geology and hydrology of the Scott River, it is necessary to include
interconnected ground waters in any determination of the rights to
the water of the Scott River as a foundation for a fair and effective
judgment of such rights, and that it is necessary that the
provisions of this section apply to the Scott River only.
(c) If this section is for any reason held to be unconstitutional,
such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portions of this chapter, or of any proceedings thereunder, but shall
affect only the validity of the proceedings with respect to such
interconnected ground water supplies.

2501. The board may determine, in the proceedings provided for in
this chapter, all rights to water of a stream system whether based
upon appropriation, riparian right, or other basis of right.

2502. If the board finds that the use by any persons under claim of
right of only minor quantities of water, as defined in Section 2503,
would have no material effect on the rights of other claimants, the
board may exempt such persons from being subject to these proceedings
as claimants or parties with respect to such minor quantities of
water; provided, that any person so exempted may elect to continue to
be subject to these proceedings by giving prompt notice to the
board.

2503. As used in this chapter, "minor quantities of water" refers
to the diversion or extraction by any person of not to exceed 10
acre-feet of water annually.