Legal Definitions - artificial watercourse

An artificial watercourse is a man-made channel or path for water to flow through. It is usually created for a specific purpose and may only be used temporarily. However, if the watercourse is maintained for a long enough time, it may be considered a natural watercourse and be subject toriparian rights.

For example, a farmer may dig a ditch to divert water from a nearby river to irrigate their crops. This ditch would be considered an artificial watercourse. However, if the ditch is maintained for many years and becomes a permanent feature, it may be considered a natural watercourse and the farmer may have riparian rights to the water.

It is important to note that a natural watercourse is one that is created by the forces of nature, such as a river or creek. An artificial watercourse is created by humans and does not have the same legal status as a natural watercourse.