Water Rights: Riparian and Littoral
Definition
Riparian rights concern properties bordering flowing bodies of water (rivers, streams), while littoral rights concern properties bordering non-flowing bodies of water (lakes, oceans).
Example
An owner of land bordering a river has riparian rights to use the water for irrigation, as long as it doesn't unreasonably interfere with downstream users. An owner of land bordering a lake has littoral rights to swim, boat, and fish in the lake.
Exam Tip
Associate 'riparian' with 'river' and 'littoral' with 'lake/ocean'. Remember that these rights are appurtenant (attached) to the land and transfer with the property.
Related Ownership Terms
Bundle of Rights
The bundle of rights describes the rights associated with property ownership, allowing owners to use, control, enjoy, exclude others from, and dispose of the property.
Freehold Estate
A freehold estate represents ownership of real property with an indefinite duration.
Leasehold Estate
A leasehold estate grants the right to possess and use property for a defined period of time, without conferring ownership.
Life Estate
A life estate is a freehold estate that grants ownership rights for the duration of someone's life.
Real Property vs. Personal Property
Real property is immovable land and anything permanently attached to it, while personal property (also called chattels) is movable.
Types of Estates: Freehold vs. Leasehold
A freehold estate conveys ownership rights, while a leasehold estate grants the right to possess and use property for a specific period without ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Test Your Ownership Knowledge
Practice with exam-style questions to make sure you can apply Water Rights: Riparian and Littoral and other ownership concepts.