Sites for reservoirs and other hydraulic works necessary for the storage and utilization of water for irrigation and the prevention of floods and overflows, located or selected prior to August 30, 1890 , shall remain segregated and reserved from entry, or settlement, until otherwise provided by law, and reservoir sites thereafter located or selected on public lands shall in like manner be reserved from the date of the location or selection thereof. (Oct. 2, 1888, ch. 1069, 25 Stat. 526 , 527; Aug. 30, 1890, ch. 837, § 1, 26 Stat. 391 ; Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, § 704(a) , Oct. 21, 1976 , 90 Stat. 2792 .) Editorial Notes Codification Section is based on provisions contained in acts Oct. 2, 1888 , and Aug. 30, 1890 , affected by act Oct. 21, 1976 . Amendments 1976— Pub. L. 94–579 struck out provision authorizing the President, in his discretion, to open by proclamation any portion or all of the lands reserved by this section to settlement under the homestead laws. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries Effective Date of 1976 Amendment Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, § 704(a) , Oct. 21, 1976 , 90 Stat. 2792 , provided that the amendment made by section 704(a) is effective on and after Oct. 21, 1976 . Savings Provision Amendment by Pub. L. 94–579 not to be construed as terminating any valid lease, permit, patent, etc., existing on Oct. 21, 1976 , see section 701 of Pub. L. 94–579 , set out as a note under section 1701 of this title .