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Show FOREWORD This summary-digest of the water laws of the 50 States-their statutes, court decisions, and administrative arrangements-was pre- pared by the staff of the National Water Commission to provide background for the Commission's work under the National Water Commission Act approved September 26, 1968 (42 USCA 1962a, note). In the course of the public conferences held by the Commission in the fall of 1969 to assist it in planning its study program, several participants emphasized the value of such a summary as a tool that would help clarify and organize information essential to water manage- ment. The Commission approved inclusion of such a study in the study program and this is the product. Because of its usefulness to all concerned, it is prepared for publication. It is designed to serve not only water lawyers but also the legislators and administrators concerned with water problems and programs, with special emphasis on the acquisition, use, transfer, and management of water rights. Much appreciation must be acknowledged for the stimulation, encouragement, and guidance received from the Commission and from Theodore M. Schad, its Executive Director. Richard L. Dewsnup and Dallin W. Jensen, the editors of this work, were primarily responsible for planning, organizing, writing, revising, and editing. Prof. Robert W. Swenson served as an associate editor and participated in planning the work and in writing and revising individual State summaries. Gary L. Greer of the Commis- sion's legal staff assisted the editors by preparing summaries for several States. Statutes, regulations, procedures, and court decisions in this area change from time to time, but not so rapidly as to outdate such a summary as this within a few years. The substance of State water laws in fact changes rather slowly, with occasional special bursts of effort at amendments in particular States. This volume should retain its utility and currency, substantially, for a number of years. These summaries include the statutory and program provisions in force as of the end of 1972. A companion volume containing a summary-digest of Federal water laws and programs was also prepared and is being issued by the Commission. Philip M. Glick, Legal Counsel. vii |
