California · Civil Code
CIV §1414: As between appropriators, the one first in time is the first in right.
What this law says, in plain English
Among people with water rights, whoever established their right first has priority over later appropriators.
Read the full statutory text
As between appropriators, the one first in time is the first in right.
Verify at the official source: California legislative text
Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.
MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.
This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.