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43 U.S.C. 431: Limitation as to amount of water; qualifications of applicantText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 43-PUBLIC LANDSCHAPTER 12-RECLAMATION AND IRRIGATION OF LANDS BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Jump To: Source CreditStatutory Notes and Related SubsidiariesMiscellaneous

§431. Limitation as to amount of water; qualifications of applicant

No right to the use of water for land in private ownership shall be sold for a tract exceeding one hundred and sixty acres to any one landowner, and no such sale shall be made to any landowner unless he be an actual bona fide resident on such land, or occupant thereof residing in the neighborhood of said land, and no such right shall permanently attach until all payments therefor are made.

( June 17, 1902, ch. 1093, § 5 , 32 Stat. 389 .)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Imperial Irrigation District of California; Nonapplicability of Federal Reclamation Laws

Nonapplicability of Federal reclamation laws to lands within Imperial Irrigation District of California, see section 4 of Pub. L. 96–570, set out as a note under section 423e of this title.

Section as Unaffected by Submerged Lands Act

Provisions of this section as not amended, modified or repealed by the Submerged Lands Act, see section 1303 of this title.