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16 U.S.C. 460aa–8: Federal-State water rightsText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 16-CONSERVATIONCHAPTER 1-NATIONAL PARKS, MILITARY PARKS, MONUMENTS, AND SEASHORES
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§460aa–8. Federal-State water rights

The jurisdiction of the State and the United States over waters of any stream included in the recreation area shall be determined by established principles of law. Under the provisions of this subchapter, any taking by the United States of a water right which is vested under either State or Federal law at the time of enactment of this subchapter shall entitle the owner thereof to just compensation. Nothing in this subchapter shall constitute an express or implied claim or denial on the part of the Federal Government as to exemption from State water laws.

( Pub. L. 92–400, § 9 , Aug. 22, 1972 , 86 Stat. 614 .)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Time of enactment of this subchapter, referred to in text, means Aug. 22, 1972, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 92–400, which enacted this subchapter.