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the California supreme court, following the English…

“the California supreme court, following the English common-law, decided that the owner of land bordering a watercourse was entitled only to the usufruct of the water; that if he used it he must return it to its original course unimpaired in quality and undiminished in volume.” quote by Jerome Hart
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““the California supreme court, following the English common-law, decided that the owner of land bordering a watercourse was entitled only to the usufruct of the water; that if he used it he must return it to its original course unimpaired in quality and undiminished in volume.””

Jerome Hart

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Landowners must allow water to flow naturally, preserving its quality and volume.

In simple terms: Protect water flow and quality.

Key Takeaway

Uphold natural water rights.

Themes

environment law property rights water resources conservation

Mood

analytical concerned formal

Type

legal philosophical

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • agricultural irrigation
  • real estate development
  • environmental advocacy

Key Concepts

hydrology public policy environmental ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can water rights be balanced with development?
  • What mechanisms ensure water quality?
A Different Perspective

Enforcement can be challenging.

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