Policy and Legislation
These tend to be directives that express intentions and delegate the authority for more detailed regulation and implementation to state agencies and departments. While in process a piece of legislation is given a bill number--SB for Senate Bill and AB for Assembly Bill. Once approved and signed, it is integrated into the particular Code (which is a compilation of statutes by topic) where it makes the most sense. Many statutes relating to water are found in the Water Code.
The laws created by City Councils and County Boards of Supervisors are usually called ordinances.
A plethora of State and local Agencies, Boards and Commissions can also draft regulations or codes, which have the full power of law as well.
Complex System of Laws
There are a vast number of laws governing water use in California, and a complicated web of state and local bodies that make, administer, and enforce these laws. These bodies include the state legislature, State Department of Water Resources (DWR), State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), the California Department of Public Health (DPH), county governments and agencies, various kinds of special districts, and city councils and departments, such as planning and permitting departments. Regulations governing water use and reuse can be confusing, even for the officials enforcing them. Particularly given the troubled history of water rights in California**, and their deep impact on human health, the environment, and the economy, you will find that laws pertaining to water use are highly-charged.
