As used in this Part 5, the following terms shall have the respective meanings stated below, viz:

(a) “Ground water” means water beneath the surface of the ground whether or not flowing through known and definite channels.

Terms Used In California Water Code 5000

  • State: means the State of California, unless applied to the different parts of the United States. See California Water Code 18
  • United States: means the United States of America, and in relation to any particular matter includes the officers, agents, employees, agencies, or instrumentalities authorized to act in relation thereto. See California Water Code 20
  • water: includes the term "use of water. See California Water Code 1000

(b) “Surface water” means water on the surface of the ground.

(c) “Four counties” means the Counties of Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Ventura.

(d) “Person” means all persons whether natural or artificial, including the United States of America, the State of California, and all political subdivisions, districts, municipalities and public agencies of or in either the State or the United States.

(e) “Sources” means any point of diversion or extraction of water and includes among other things wells, tunnels, and headworks.

(Amended by Stats. 1959, Ch. 526.)