Chapter 1. General Declarations And Policy of California Water Code >> Division 6. >> Part 2.8. >> Chapter 1.

This part shall be known and may be cited as the Agricultural Water Management Planning Act.

The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
  (a) The waters of the state are a limited and renewable resource.
  (b) The California Constitution requires that water in the state be used in a reasonable and beneficial manner.
  (c) Urban water districts are required to adopt water management plans.
  (d) The conservation of agricultural water supplies is of great statewide concern.
  (e) There is a great amount of reuse of delivered water, both inside and outside the water service areas.
  (f) Significant noncrop beneficial uses are associated with agricultural water use, including streamflows and wildlife habitat.
  (g) Significant opportunities exist in some areas, through improved irrigation water management, to conserve water or to reduce the quantity of highly saline or toxic drainage water.
  (h) Changes in water management practices should be carefully planned and implemented to minimize adverse effects on other beneficial uses currently being served.
  (i) Agricultural water suppliers that receive water from the federal Central Valley Project are required by federal law to prepare and implement water conservation plans.
  (j) Agricultural water users applying for a permit to appropriate water from the board are required to prepare and implement water conservation plans.

The Legislature finds and declares that all of the following are the policies of the state:
  (a) The conservation of water shall be pursued actively to protect both the people of the state and the state's water resources.
  (b) The conservation of agricultural water supplies shall be an important criterion in public decisions with regard to water.
  (c) Agricultural water suppliers shall be required to prepare water management plans to achieve conservation of water.