Every person who wilfully and without authority opens, closes, changes, or interferes with any headgate, waterbox, or measuring device while it is under the control of the wastermaster, or who wilfully takes or uses water which has been denied him by the watermaster under the provisions of this part is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Distribution of Water in Watermaster Service AreasOffenses
Section § 4175
This law makes it a misdemeanor for anyone to intentionally and without permission tamper with water management equipment, such as headgates, waterboxes, or measuring devices, when these are under the control of a watermaster. It also applies to anyone who knowingly uses water they were specifically prohibited from using by a watermaster's order.
water management tampering with headgate unauthorized water use
Section § 4176
If someone uses or possesses water after being told not to by the watermaster, it's considered clear evidence that they are guilty of violating this rule.
The possession or use of water when it has been so denied him by the watermaster is prima facie evidence of the guilt of the person using it.
watermaster possession of water unauthorized water use
Section § 4177
If someone breaks the rules in this set of water laws, they can be charged with a misdemeanor. This means they could face a fine between $50 and $500, spend 10 days to 6 months in county jail, or both.
Every person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter or of Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 4100) is guilty of a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 10 days nor more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
misdemeanor county jail fine
Section § 4178
This law allows a watermaster, who supervises water distribution, to arrest anyone breaking water-related regulations. After the arrest, the watermaster must promptly hand the person over to the local police and file a complaint with a court official.
A watermaster may arrest any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter or of Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 4100) and to deliver the person to the sheriff or other competent police officer within the county, and immediately thereafter file a complaint with a magistrate against the person so arrested.
watermaster authority arrest powers water regulations
