What are riparian rights?

Riparian rights refer specifically to the rights of landowners whose properties are adjacent to a flowing body of water, such as a river or stream. These rights are rooted in the legal framework that allows these landowners to use and enjoy the water that is adjacent to their property. This includes usage for activities such as irrigation, domestic purposes, and recreational activities, while also ensuring that such use does not significantly diminish the quality or quantity of water available to other riparian stakeholders.

The essence of riparian rights is that they are tied to the ownership of land that borders water, thus they carry specific privileges and responsibilities, ensuring that the water's availability and flow are preserved for all users along the waterway. This framework encourages equitable use among all landowners without one party's activities hindering the rights of another.