California Code, Water Code - WAT § 5000

(a) “Ground water” means water beneath the surface of the ground whether or not flowing through known and definite channels.

(b) “Surface water” means water on the surface of the ground.

(c) “Four counties” means the Counties of Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Ventura.

(d) “Person” means all persons whether natural or artificial, including the United States of America, the State of California, and all political subdivisions, districts, municipalities and public agencies of or in either the State or the United States.

(e) “Sources” means any point of diversion or extraction of water and includes among other things wells, tunnels, and headworks.