In real estate and water law, riparian rights are the rights of a landowner whose property borders a river, stream, or other watercourse to make reasonable use of the water. These rights arise from ownership of land adjoining the water.
Riparian rights allow the owner to use and enjoy the water that flows adjacent to or across the land, provided that such use does not materially injure or interfere with the rights of other riparian owners. These rights are subject to regulation and may be limited by law to protect shared water resources.
