Water right enforcement in California
In August 2022, amidst a severe drought, the State Water Board ordered ranchers and farmers in Siskiyou County to cease irrigation. Initially facing fines starting at $500 per day, escalating to $10,000 after 20 days or a hearing, they chose to continue irrigating due to economic pressures. This decision led to a significant reduction in the Shasta River’s flow, endangering local salmon populations. The incident underscored the State Water Board’s limited enforcement capabilities and the minor penalties for water rights violations compared to water quality infringements. As a result, there is now proposed legislation aimed at empowering the State Water Board to enforce water rights more effectively and impose deterrent fines for violations. Navigating California’s complex water rights landscape has always been contentious.