In Arizona, water rights for surface water follow:
Question & Answer
Review the question and all answer choices
Riparian rights
Riparian rights are incorrect as Arizona abolished riparian rights for surface water in 1914. Riparian rights attach to land bordering water sources and are equal among riparian owners, which doesn't align with Arizona's water scarcity management approach.
Prior appropriation doctrine
Littoral rights
Littoral rights apply to land adjacent to oceans and large lakes, not rivers or streams. This concept is unrelated to surface water rights in Arizona and is typically associated with coastal property issues.
Common law rights
Common law rights is too vague and doesn't specifically address Arizona's water rights system. Arizona's water rights are governed by specific state statutes, not general common law principles.
Why is this correct?
Arizona follows prior appropriation doctrine for surface water, established by state law in 1914. This system prioritizes water rights based on seniority - the first user has priority during shortages. This 'first in time, first in right' principle fundamentally differs from riparian systems and is essential for Arizona water allocation.
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