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A landowner's property borders a natural, nonnavigable river. Under the riparian rights doctrine, the landowner is generally entitled to make what kind of use of the river water?

Correct Answer

B) Reasonable use that does not unreasonably interfere with other riparian owners' rights

Riparian rights belong to the owner of land that touches a flowing watercourse such as a river or stream, and they entitle that owner to reasonable use of the water. Reasonable use is measured against the equal rights of the other owners along the same watercourse: the use may not unreasonably reduce the quantity or degrade the quality of the water reaching them. Land bordering a lake, sea, or ocean carries littoral rights instead.

Answer Options
A
No use at all, because river water belongs exclusively to the government
B
Reasonable use that does not unreasonably interfere with other riparian owners' rights
C
Unlimited commercial use for any purpose regardless of impact on other riparian owners
D
Use limited to drinking water only, with all other uses prohibited

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

riparian_rightswater_rightsreasonable_uselakefrontproperty_ownership

Related Concepts

Tenancy in common is a form of co-ownership in which two or more persons hold separate, undivided interests in property without the right of survivorship. Each owner can hold unequal shares and can independently transfer their interest.

A freehold estate conveys ownership rights, while a leasehold estate grants the right to possess and use property for a specific period without ownership.

Riparian rights concern properties bordering flowing bodies of water (rivers, streams), while littoral rights concern properties bordering non-flowing bodies of water (lakes, oceans).

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