Title 43 — Public LandsRelease 119-73

§618m Effect on existing laws and States’ rights

Title 43 › Chapter CHAPTER 12A— - BOULDER CANYON PROJECT › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER II— - BOULDER CANYON PROJECT ADJUSTMENT ACT › § 618m

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

Protects the water rights states had on July 19, 1940, for waters inside their borders. States keep the power to make laws and rules about taking, controlling, and using those waters, except as changed by the Colorado River compact or other interstate agreements. Rules or charges under this subchapter cannot affect Colorado River rights. Sections 13(b), 13(c), and 13(d) of the Project Act (43 U.S.C. 617l(b), (c), and (d)) and other parts of that Act that do not conflict with this subchapter remain in effect.

Full Legal Text

Title 43, §618m

Public Lands — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as interfering with such rights as the States had on July 19, 1940, either to the waters within their borders or to adopt such policies and enact such laws as they deem necessary with respect to the appropriation, control, and use of waters within their borders, except as modified by the Colorado River compact or other interstate agreement. Neither the promulgation of charges, or the basis of charges, nor anything contained in this subchapter, or done thereunder, shall in anywise affect, limit, or prejudice any right of any State in or to the waters of the Colorado River system under the Colorado River compact. section 13(b), 13(c), and 13(d) of the Project Act [43 U.S.C. 617l(b), (c), and (d)] and all other provisions of said Project Act [43 U.S.C. 617 et seq.] not inconsistent with the terms of this subchapter shall remain in full force and effect.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Project Act, referred to in text, is defined in section 618k of this title.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

43 U.S.C. § 618m

Title 43 — Public Lands

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73