Digging a well in California is risky. It's expensive. The permitting and inspection are a hassle. You could easily spend tens of thousands of dollars and come up dry. I hired a geologist and a water witcher, had to clear the land and grade a road to create access for the drilling rig plus build a pump shed and install solar to power the pump. This initial capital investment in time and money is substantial. Now the government wants to tax the risk taker to subsidize some welfare receipient that never has and never will pay taxes?

and then the nestle CEO will get his wish access to water is not a human right

In some western states there are restrictions on capturing rain water off your roof.

How is it that one can have mineral rights but not water rights?

If the notification letter was not sent certified mail return receipt requested, just say you never got the notification. And put up no trespassing signs everywhere with your phone number on it with a required 24 - 48 hour notification required for any visitors.

I’m surprised this is just happening now. This will happen in all the states

Meanwhile, Nestle pays next to nothing (lamag.com) for millions of gallons of groundwater.