Mealey's (June 17, 2015, 8:07 AM EDT) -- LAS VEGAS — A Nevada federal judge on Sept. 30, 2014, granted a motion to amend or alter the 1944 Orr Ditch Decree, saying circumstances have changed and the court has authority to alter past decrees (United States of America v. Orr Water Ditch Co., et al., No. 3:73-cv-31, D. Nev.; 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 139542).

(Order available. Document #95-141023-003R.)

The Orr Ditch Decree was a final decree to resolve a water rights dispute. It incorporated the Truckee River Agreement, which provides a management framework for...