California Farmers Fight for Century-Old Claims to Water
California farmers whose water rights may date to the Millard Fillmore presidential administration are battling restrictions as the state tries to address its historic drought.
Byron Bethany Irrigation District's Rick Gilmore inspects dried grape vines at the Clifton Court Vineyard in California. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
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California farmers whose families have held rights to water since the Gold Rush are fighting cutbacks sought by an agency that’s merely 48 years old, one of many points of contention in a battle inspired by an epic drought.
The California State Water Resources Control Board in June told holders of claims staked more than a century ago to turn off the spigots or face daily fines of as much as $1,000 and $2,500 per acre-foot. The agency then was hit by at least five lawsuits.