Department of Public Work, Division of Water Resources

Agency History

The Water Commission Act of 1913, Chapter 586 of Statutes 1913, created California's first water rights governing agency, the State Water Commission. Prior to this law, any or every person could freely begin work to divert and use (beneficially or otherwise) water in California. This commission began operation immediately and consisted of five persons who sought to arbitrate the incessant disputes created by California's dual water rights system. The governor of California, the state engineer, and three members appointed by the governor to four year terms made up the five member commission (Chapter 586, Statutes 1913). According to the law, the three members appointed by the governor should have ample "knowledge and experience in the application and use of waters for irrigation, mining, and municipal purposes" with at least one of them familiar with water use for agricultural purposes (Chapter 586, Statutes 1913). The State Water Commission initiated procedures to issue permits and licenses, most of which are still in use today.

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