Definitions for "Riparian Rights"
Rights to use water enjoyed by riparian owners.
A doctrine of state water law under which a land owner is entitled to use the water on or bordering his property, including the right to prevent diversion or misuse of upstream waters. Riparian land is land that borders on surface water.
System of water law that gives anyone whose land adjoins a flowing stream the right to use water from the stream, as long as some is left for downstream users. Compare prior appropriation.
The ability to use surface or groundwater on or adjacent to property without the requirement to pay a fee for usage.