California is in some respects reaching the limits of its water resources. The various stakeholders that need water are now starting to actively compete for this important “public trust resource.” Essentially, the state of California owns and controls the use of all surface water -- and, in some instances, groundwater as well. Because there are fish in the streams and rivers -- including endangered species of salmon and their threatened cousin, the steelhead trout -- California Fish and Game and the National Marine Fisheries Service also have something to say about how and when water is diverted to ensure the health of fisheries.

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