Water rights predate most local authorities so it's one thing that the wealthiest elites can go right to the federal government to maintain. I'd wager any changes to policy or management here will only serve to benefit these elites who are interested in using or leasing these rights.

I would take exception with the premise of the post though I'm the sense that it's quite obvious to me that we're actively over using most waterways. For instance the aquifer under Phoenix.