Which law governs the distribution of water from the State Water Project in California?

The California Water Code is the correct answer because it serves as the foundational legal framework governing the allocation, management, and distribution of water resources in the state, including those from the State Water Project (SWP). This code establishes the rules and regulations that dictate how water is to be used, rights over the water, and the responsibilities of various entities involved in water management.

The California Water Code addresses not only the distribution of surface water rights but also groundwater management, and it encompasses provisions for both urban and agricultural water use. It provides mechanisms for the permitting process, enforcement of water rights, and prioritization of water deliveries during scarcity, making it crucial for the operation of the SWP.

Other choices, such as the California Water Quality Act and the California Environmental Protection Act, focus more on environmental protection and ensuring water quality rather than on the distribution and management of water itself. The California Natural Resources Code also does not specifically focus on the distribution of water from the State Water Project, making the Water Code the most relevant and encompassing law in this context.