What is the role of the federal government in regulating water?

The federal government plays an important role in regulating water in California. This is because water in the western United States is allocated according to the doctrine of prior appropriation, which allocates the right to use water to those who first divert it from a source. Therefore, while the states have the primary duty to administer the water resources within their boundaries, the federal government has an important role in regulating water use. The US Supreme Court has issued a number of rulings setting forth principles of interstate water allocation. These rulings make it clear that the federal government has the authority to make decisions about how to allocate water between states, for example, in situations where two states are vying for the same water resources. In addition, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act provides for federal guidelines for protecting and restoring the quality of water resources. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for enforcing these guidelines. Finally, the US Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency that has a role in water regulation. Its mission is to provide water resources development, management, and conservation in the western states. The Bureau of Reclamation has responsibility for maintaining water reservoirs, regulating water flows, and operating public power plants. By managing the distribution of water in California, the Bureau of Reclamation helps to ensure that water is allocated in a fair and equitable manner.

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What is the role of the federal government in regulating water?

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