AB 1578 Summary

• Creates the Indian Valley Watermaster District in Plumas County to serve as watermaster for decreed water rights within Indian Valley whose places of use are within specified district boundaries.

• Establishes a five-member board of directors consisting of three elected members who are water rights holders and two members appointed by the Plumas County Board of Supervisors.

• Grants the district powers to administer and enforce existing water rights decrees, including all powers previously held by the Department of Water Resources as watermaster.

• Authorizes the district to enter into agreements to provide watermaster services to water rights holders on non-appointed parcels, with those holders bearing the full cost of service.

• Requires the district to conduct regular audits and prepare annual financial reports; specifies that no state reimbursement is required because the district may levy service charges to fund operations.