California Constitution Article X A - Water Resources Development [Sections 1 - 8]
Here’s an overview and explanation of Article X A (10A) of the California Constitution, titled "Water Resources Development" — covering Sections 1 through 8.
⚖️ California Constitution – Article X A: Water Resources Development
(Added by constitutional amendment in 1960 to support statewide water projects.)
🔹 Purpose of Article X A:
To authorize and govern the development, financing, and management of California’s State Water Project, primarily through bond funding and legislative oversight. It plays a key role in how California manages, stores, and distributes water from wetter areas (like Northern California) to drier, more populated ones (like Southern California).
🔢 Section-by-Section Summary:
Section 1 – Declaration of Policy
Declares that statewide water development is essential for public welfare.
The State of California must develop water resources to meet growing needs in agriculture, industry, and municipalities.
Section 2 – Authorization of Bonds
Authorizes issuance of $1.75 billion in general obligation bonds for the construction of the State Water Facilities.
This formed the financial basis for the State Water Project (SWP).
Section 3 – Use of Proceeds
Outlines how bond proceeds may be spent, including:
Building dams, canals, reservoirs
Hydroelectric facilities
Fish and wildlife conservation measures
Distribution infrastructure
Section 4 – Terms of Bonds
Details terms and conditions for bond issuance:
Interest rates
Repayment terms
Fiscal oversight
Section 5 – Appropriation
Automatically appropriates money from the bond fund to the Department of Water Resources (DWR).
Allows DWR to immediately begin projects once funds are authorized.
Section 6 – Revenues and Repayment
Ensures that revenues from water contracts (payments by users) are used to repay bond debt.
Helps make the water project financially self-sustaining.
Section 7 – Contracts with Water Agencies
Allows the state to enter into long-term contracts with local public water agencies.
These agencies receive water in exchange for helping fund the infrastructure over time.
Section 8 – Liberal Interpretation
Directs courts and officials to interpret the article broadly to fulfill its goals.
Prevents narrow legal interpretations from limiting water development.
💧 Impact of Article X A:
Led to construction of the California Aqueduct, Oroville Dam, and other major parts of the State Water Project.
Continues to shape water policy, especially regarding water rights, storage, and inter-regional distribution.
RELATED Blog
0 comments