Judge may rule in favor of Water Board over farmers

With the California drought in full affect, the State Water Resources Control Board began issuing notices to farmers and water agencies demanding they meet Governor Jerry Brown’s mandatory water cutbacks. Some agencies and farmers are deemed senior water rights holders, meaning they usually are exempt from these types of cuts. Because the California drought is so severe, the State Water Resources Control Board began issuing notices that kept water agencies from diverting water for crops.

The West Side Irrigation District challenged their notice in court, saying it was illegal for the Board to revoke their water rights without a hearing.

Sacramento Superior Court Judge Shelleyanne Chang, who heard the case, didn’t make an ultimate decision, but will, more than likely, rule in favor of the Board.