Jail for collecting water in the USA?

[Grey_Southpaw]

Thanks for clearing that up Machete. Been wondering about the actual facts on this one. Sounds like some bullshit.

Sent from my LG-L38C using Bullshido - No BS MMA mobile app

[It is Fake]

Hmmm...can a homeowner build a "pond" if he want's too or does he have to get a permit?

Depends completely on where you live. So, the answer can be yes, you have to get a permit. Heck in my state, you ned to get approval and call the company blue stake to make sure you are cleared to dig. Many areas have weird zoning laws as well.

[submessenger]

This isn't about pollution, it's about money.

Here in South Florida, sale of water as a utility is a major source of revenue for municipalities. I know this because back in 2006, after a 1-2-3 punch from hurricanes Francis, Jeanne, and Wilma, the decision was made to drain Lake Okeechobee, which is a major part of our fresh water infrastructure.

Oh, (big) brother.

The draining preceded a drought, and severe water usage restrictions went into effect. I can't find the articles, but there were actually people driving around issuing citations for illegal water usage. Eventually, people got the idea and people like me just stopped watering their lawns altogether. This is about the time we started hearing about municipalities losing revenue because of the tight water restrictions. Well, geez, wouldn't you know it - they eased the restrictions, and then lifted them in the last year or two (not sure exactly when).

Now, the lake is overfull again, and we're in a hurricane season that is experiencing heavy rain. At least they are looking for a better way to drain the lake without losing all the water, this time.

[BKR]

It sounds like he's damming run-off to fill his reservoirs.....

Yeah, it does. The question is though (one at least) is whether or not he has dammed actual streams, either permanent or intermittent, or just "rills" or low areas on his property. The 1925 law seems pretty vague and broad though...

Seems a bit heavy handed by the Medford, but, the situation may be that the guy is actually blocking runoff from reaching the main drainage(s).

[BKR]

This isn't dry-azz Sand Diego up here. Nine months out of the year your footprint goes below the water table. Dig a post hole and you'll have a "man made pond". Anything below ground level is basically "in the water table.

The idea that holes on his property are damaging to the river is laughable at best. Not to mention, the water does eventually flow into the river and does leech into the ground.

The city's case is total bull$%#@ and that's why the best they can get after all this time is a token fine and providing this guy with three hots and a cot for 30 days. I know a guy who did three times that stint for running out of the Plaid Pantry with a bottle of Ripple in his pants. What I'm saying is his "heinous crime" falls somewhere short of shoplifting. It's a bad joke, man.

Thanks for the additional "on the scene" info. From a geological/hydrological point of view, the fact that Medford is concerned (other than permitting as needed) is silly.

If there is no shortage of water now or foreseeable, geez, they need to lighten up.

[Mr. Machette]

Thanks for the additional "on the scene" info. From a geological/hydrological point of view, the fact that Medford is concerned (other than permitting as needed) is silly.

If there is no shortage of water now or foreseeable, geez, they need to lighten up.

AFAIK, the guy basically dug pits on his property so he could fish with his family and water the grass without running up his bill. I don't think he manipulated any natural features to make his ponds. The "dams" are more of a flood control / drainage device.

I could be wrong, but that is what the local news has been saying.

[It is Fake]

AFAIK, the guy basically dug pits on his property so he could fish with his family and water the grass without running up his bill.

...and you KNOW this drives some municipalities nuts.

[Mr. Machette]

...and you KNOW this drives some municipalities nuts.

Yup.

IMHO they're real beef is with God. How dare nature provide this man with free pond water when the city could be bilking him for a kings ransom in utilites!

[Bneterasedmynam]

So if the town is claiming they own the water including that from rainfall, does that mean they are also liable for damages from floods??

[BKR]

So if the town is claiming they own the water including that from rainfall, does that mean they are also liable for damages from floods??

Do the own the rain as soon as it condenses and falls, or only once it hits the ground? LOL!

[Permalost]

If the water rights include water that's not in the ground yet, does that mean each and every person is hoarding water in 50-75% of their body?

[RurikGreenwulf]

Evil corporate America doesn't appear to have anything to do with the case. It's evil city of Medford, Oregon.

It's a water rights dispute, which are pretty common in the western US. Google Snake River Water Ajudication and feast your eyes on that one...

Ben

Don't worry the latin conspirators say ALL THE USA government is run by the corps

I'm gonna tell this faggots we should first worry about our own corruption and our fucking crime problem.

But the discussion about water rights seems interesting, I think the city is being a dick the man is just saving some water