This is the first of what I hope will be an ongoing series I’m calling Cambria U. The goal of each Cambria U entry is to provide resources for understanding a different element affecting Cambria’s present and future. Today: a Basic Primer in California Water Law.
In all my adventures in the wide virtual world I’ve discovered many wonderful resources. I lucked into a document prepared by the state to explain the basics of water law for new LAFCo commissioners. If you’ve ever tried to slog through the myriad laws and regulation agencies, you’ll appreciate this relatively easy to read 18 page document. I highlighted some parts as I read it. You can download that version below. If you prefer an unmarked version, you will likely be able to find an unmarked copy online just by googling the title: Water Rights: Supply Issues for Local Agency Formation Commissions .
Of course, this could be a bit simplistic if you already have a grasp of the complex web of legalities governing water. Either way, have a Merry Christmas and see you in the New Year.
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Thanks Amanda. This looks like pretty interesting reading. I have printed it out and will read it. Having only scanned it and seen your highlights brings up something I have been wondering about. Since CCSD has opted not to access its appropriative right to Santa Rosa Creek water over mtbe concerns, does it risk losing that right? Could a competing user (ie, a new district formed by property owners who CCSD refuses to serve) get an appropriative right to the water that CCSD shuns, put in the treatment systems necessary, and use the water to support new building permits?
What would stop the formation of such a district? Would local efforts to stop such a district stand up to a legal challenge?
The process of creating a new district would go through a process overseen by the SLO LAFCo. I will post the “Intro to LAFCo” powerpoint later this evening. A link to the SLO LAFCo can be found near the top of the resources page. Enjoy the reading!
This is interesting reading, but it has little application in Cambria. This paper is mainly focused on issues LAFCo’s will face connected with how proposed new tracts will get water service. LAFCo has to sign off before a new tract is approved. County approval of Cambria’s tract map precedes Cortese Knox Hertzberg, SB 221 and SB 610 by a century. From its inception, CCSD assumed responsibility for the tract as we know it today. In addition, all lots were assessed to pay for the sewage treatment plant (the one we are not connected to), and for years up until passage of Prop 218 (the law CFR likes so much lately) all lots were charged a “water availability charge”. Only when Prop 218 told CCSD they actually had to deliver something if they were going to charge fees did they suspend the practice. Do you think you are expected to deliver anything for all the years you did levy the fee?
Do note on lines 4-6 page 4 that it explains that LAFCos cannot engage in land use decisions.
Land use decisions are made the the County of SLO, and in our case they said long ago “build houses”.