But a half-dozen dairy ranchers and alfalfa farmers refused to sign the agreement because they felt it violated their water rights. Under Monday's decision, the farmers who sued will not be forced to pay for water. Those who signed the agreement and did not sue must still pay if they exceed their annual allocation. James Markman, a Los Angeles attorney who represented a water district, said he was pleased that the high court did not go even further and invalidate the agreement signed voluntarily by farmers who did not sue. This will make things more expensive and encourage farmers to stand on their rights and demand litigation.
Cities have to learn they can only take water when there is surplus.
But because of the potential effect on other disputes, the Farm Bureau and the Imperial Irrigation District submitted briefs in support of the farmers.