Translation of the Law of Waters in Force in the Island of Cuba: Division of Customs and Insular Aff

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1900. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... TITLE I. OWNERSHIP OF TERRESTRIAL, WATERS. Chapter I. Ownership ofplv/oial waters. Article 1. The water which falls upon an estate during rains belongs to the owner thereof while it flows thereon. He may, therefore, build or construct within his property reservoirs, dams, cisterns, or tanks in which to retain the same, or employ any other proper means, provided it does not injure the public or a third person. Pluvial waters for the purposes of this law are considered those which are the immediate result of rainfalls. Art. 2. Pluvial waters which flow through ravines or hollows are of public ownership if their channels are also public property Art. 3. Municipalities may grant to any person who may request it authority to construct cisterns or tanks for the collection of rain water on pufjlic lands, situated within the district and under the jurisdiction of said municipality, informing the governor of the province of said permission. Should the decision of the municipality be a negative one, an appeal lies to the governor of the province and finally to the governorgeneral of the island, whose decision shall be final. Chapter II.' Ownership of running water, springs, and streams. Art. 4. The following are public or of public ownership: 1. Waters which rise continuously or intermittently on ground of public ownership. 2. Continuous and intermittent waters of springs and creeks which course through their natural beds. 3. Rivers. Art. 5. Waters which rise continuously or intermittently on estates of private ownership, as well as on the property of the State, provinces or towns, belong to the respective owners for their use and benefit while they course through said property. As soon as water not utilized leaves the estate where it originated, it shall be considered pu...