Title 16 — ConservationRelease 119-73not60
§4309 Savings Provision
Title 16 › Chapter 63— FEDERAL CAVE RESOURCES PROTECTION › § 4309
Summary
It does not give any federal, state, or local government, Indian tribe, business, or person permission to take or claim water. It also does not change who has rights or control over rivers, streams, or groundwater; it does not change agreements between states about water; and it does not create or change anyone’s water or water‑related rights. It does not affect state authority over fish and wildlife.
Full Legal Text
Title 16, §4309
Conservation — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as authorizing the appropriation of water by any Federal, State, or local agency, Indian tribe, or any other entity or individual. Nor shall any provision of this chapter—
(1)affect the rights or jurisdiction of the United States, the States, Indian tribes, or other entities over waters of any river or stream or over any ground water resource;
(2)alter, amend, repeal, interpret, modify, or be in conflict with any interstate compact made by the States; or
(3)alter or establish the respective rights of States, the United States, Indian tribes, or any person with respect to any water or water-related right.
(b)Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as affecting the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the States with respect to fish and wildlife.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
16 U.S.C. § 4309
Title 16 — Conservation
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60