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Practice Of Real EstateState_specificMEDIUM

Marcus is a licensed Oklahoma real estate broker helping a client purchase a rural property with both a creek running along one boundary and a private well supplying household water. During the transaction, Marcus explains the difference between the water rights associated with each source. Which of the following correctly distinguishes Oklahoma's treatment of these two water sources?

Correct Answer

B) Creek water rights require a state appropriation permit; well water rights are tied to land ownership under modified absolute ownership with correlative rights limits.

Oklahoma uses a dual water law system. Surface water (such as the creek) is governed by the prior appropriation doctrine, requiring a permit from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Groundwater (such as the well water) is governed by a modified absolute ownership rule, where the landowner has the right to use the water beneath their land, subject to correlative rights limitations when sharing an aquifer with neighbors. This hybrid system is unique and important for Oklahoma real estate transactions.

Answer Options
A
Both the creek water and the well water are governed by prior appropriation and require state permits to use.
B
Creek water rights require a state appropriation permit; well water rights are tied to land ownership under modified absolute ownership with correlative rights limits.
C
Creek water rights are based on riparian adjacency; well water rights require a separate state permit from the OWRB.
D
Both the creek water and the well water are governed by riparian doctrine and transfer automatically with the deed.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

hybrid_water_lawsurface_watergroundwaterprior_appropriationabsolute_ownershipcorrelative_rights

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