This section simply declares that the laws contained within it shall be referred to as the Water Code, which is a collection of regulations and guidelines governing water-related issues in California.

This section explains that if any part of this legal code is similar to an existing law about the same topic, it should be seen as a continuation or restatement of that law, not as an entirely new law.

This section states that if someone is already in a government position under a law that is being repealed, but the position still exists under the new law, they can keep their job with the same conditions as before.

This law says that if a legal case or action started before the current water code came into effect, the case or any rights involved won't be changed by the new code. However, moving forward, any procedures used in these cases should follow the new code's rules as closely as possible.

This section explains that unless there's a specific reason or context indicating otherwise, certain definitions, rules for interpreting, and general guidelines will apply to how this legal code is understood.

This section explains that when a public officer is given certain powers or responsibilities, they can allow a deputy or another legally authorized person to carry out those powers or duties unless a specific law says otherwise.

This section states that any type of written communication required or allowed under this water-related code must be in a format that can be easily understood by reading. It also specifies that these documents should be written in English unless specified otherwise.

This law says that when a specific part of this code or any other California law is mentioned, it includes any changes or additions that have been or will be made to it.

This section defines two terms. A "Section" refers to a section within this particular legal code unless another law is specified. A "Subdivision" refers to a specific part within the same section unless another section is clearly mentioned.

This law means that when reading legal texts, words in one tense can also apply to actions or situations in the past or future. So, if something is written in the present tense, it might also refer to past and future events, and vice versa.

This section states that whenever a law refers to men, it also includes women and other gender-neutral categories. In other words, any legal terms traditionally using male pronouns or descriptions should be interpreted to apply to all genders.

This law clarifies that when California legal language mentions a 'spouse,' it also means a 'registered domestic partner,' ensuring equal treatment under the law.

This rule means that if a law uses a word in its singular form, it also applies to multiple things, and vice versa. Basically, don't worry too much about whether the word is for one thing or many; it should cover both situations.

This law clarifies that when you come across the term "county" in this context, it also covers both individual cities and combined city-counties.

This legal section clarifies the meaning of two words often used in laws. "Shall" means you must do something, while "may" means you have the option to do it but it's not required.

This section explains that in the context of this law, whenever someone refers to an 'oath,' it also covers affirmations. This means both sworn oaths and solemn affirmations are considered equivalent.

This law states that if someone cannot write their name, they can still sign by making a mark. A witness must write the person's name near the mark and then sign their own name close by. If the signature is needed for an official or sworn statement, two witnesses must sign their own names to make it valid.

In this context, 'State' typically refers to California. However, when mentioning other parts of the U.S., it also means the District of Columbia and various territories.

This section defines the term “person” to include a wide range of entities, such as individuals, businesses (like corporations and partnerships), and various types of organizations and companies.

This section defines the term “United States” as the United States of America and clarifies that it includes all relevant officers, agents, employees, agencies, or instrumentalities that are authorized to deal with any specific matter.

This section states that if any part of this code is found to be invalid or doesn't apply to a certain situation or person, the rest of the code remains effective and can still be applied to other situations and people.

When you see the word "Department" in this context, it typically refers to the Department of Water Resources, unless it clearly indicates otherwise.

When the law mentions "Director" and doesn't specify otherwise, it is referring to the Director of Water Resources.

This law defines the standard miner's inch of water as one and a half cubic feet of water flowing per minute through an opening.

This law section states that when you see the word 'Board' in the context of California Water laws, it's referring to the State Water Resources Control Board, unless it's specifically mentioned otherwise.

This section of the code clarifies that the terms "recycled water" and "reclaimed water" are defined exactly the same as the definition provided in another part of the law, specifically subdivision (n) of Section 13050.