Chapter 5. Cuts In Banks Of Streams of California Water Code >> Division 4. >> Chapter 5.

Every person owning or occupying lands upon the bank of any stream where the lands lying back of the stream are lower than the bank, is responsible for all damages sustained by the owners or occupants of lower lands by reason of any cut or embrasure made in the bank of the stream by the owner or occupant of the bank.

If the cuts were made for the purpose of irrigation, and headgates and culverts were installed which competent persons consider sufficient to restrain the water, and if great diligence was used to prevent damage, these facts may be pleaded and proved in mitigation of damages.