Opinion ID: 2811975
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Santa Ana River

Text: Appellants are municipalities and water districts that divert water from the Santa Ana River for various uses and conduct maintenance activities within its watershed. The Santa Ana River travels through southwestern San Bernardino County and Riverside County, continues through Orange County, and flows into the Pacific Ocean between Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. The Santa Ana River is prone to flooding; consequently, two dams—the Prado and the Seven Oaks Dam—work in tandem to assist with flood control. The dams require ongoing maintenance work, some of which may be done in areas designated as critical habitat. The Santa Ana River also serves as a source of water for its watershed communities. Water rights are allocated to municipalities and water districts subject to two state court decisions, Orange County Water District v. City of Chino et al., No. 117628 (Super. Ct. Orange County, CA Apr. 17, 1969) and Western Municipal Water District of Riverside County et al v. East San Bernardino County Water District et al., No. 78426 (Super. Ct. Riverside County, CA Apr. 17, 1969). In 2009, the California State Water Board granted the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and the Western Municipal Water District permits to divert additional water captured by the Seven Oaks Dam “for beneficial uses.” 10 BEAR VALLEY MUT. WATER CO. V. JEWELL