Under the riparian theory of water rights, a riparian owner has the right to which of the following?

• A. Riparian owner has no rights
• B. First in time, first in right
• C. Riparian owner has right to reasonable use
• D. State owns all water

Answer: (C)

Under the riparian approach, rights to water are tied to land that borders a stream, lake, or other watercourse. The key idea is that a riparian owner may use water for reasonable, beneficial purposes, but this use must be balanced with the rights of other riparian owners and not unreasonably interfere with their ability to use the water. Reasonable use typically covers domestic needs, irrigation, and other normal uses, as long as the amount taken and the method of use do not create significant harm or waste and do not deprive other adjacent proprietors of their equal rights. This contrasts with the prior appropriation system, where water rights are allocated by seniority of use, and with the notion that the state owns all water. So the best answer is that a riparian owner has the right to a reasonable use of the water.