Water distribution systems cover many square miles of land. But water agencies own very little of the land that their pipes pass through. As a result, they need to have a legal "right of way" so their roadways, aqueducts, power lines, and pipelines can pass through properties owned by others. To get this "right of way," a title examiner works out the legal details with the property owners who have the ownership or legal "title" of the property. Right of way agents and title examiners:

• search public records for the title and owner to determine the legal condition of the property;
• prepare and issue policies regarding title and right of way;
• negotiate contract details with property owners related to right of way;
• patrol the water agency's properties to make sure no other building projects disturb the right of way agreements;
• meet with the public and businesses to discuss right of way issues.