Cal. Wat. Code § 1240 : CALIFORNIA WATER CODE — WATER — APPROPRIATION OF WATER — GENERAL PROVISIONS — BENEFICIAL USE — Purpose of appropriation; cessation of right TEXT PDF The appropriation must be for some useful or beneficial purpose, and when the appropriator or his successor in interest ceases to use it for such a purpose the right ceases. Ca. Water Code § 1240 Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.