2007 California Water Code Article 3. Declaration Of Policy

CA Codes (wat:12860-12861)

12860.  It is hereby declared that the people of the State have a
primary interest in the control and conservation of floodwaters and
the prevention of erosion, sediment damages and other damages by
floodwaters in the watersheds of the rivers and streams of this
State.



12861.  It is hereby declared that recurrent floods on rivers and
streams of this State, causing loss of life and damage to property,
disruption of commerce, interruption of transportation and
communications, and wasting of water, are detrimental to the peace,
health, safety and welfare of the people of the State.  The control
and prevention of such floods and the loss and damage caused thereby
and the conservation and protection of the State's land and water
resources are proper functions and activities of the State, in
cooperation with counties, cities, state agencies and public
districts, and in cooperation with the United States, or any of its
departments or agencies.