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The revelations about Nestle piping water from the forest sparked an outpouring of opposition and prompted several complaints to California regulators questioning the company’s water rights claims, which led to the state investigation.

Those in agriculture, however, also have pointed out that in many areas they hold water rights dating back more than a century, which entitles them a higher priority in allocations and cutbacks.

In January, the Newsom administration also filed separate petitions seeking to extend the time of the water rights permits to 2085.

Those who receive the transfers tend to claim them as their right, never mind regulations and senior water rights held by others.

Mitchell said agencies in Colorado are developing such projects with the understanding that their water rights will likely be curtailed in many years because of limited supplies.