Legal Definitions - backwater

Backwater is a term used to describe water in a stream that cannot flow forward due to an obstruction, such as a dam, and sometimes flows back. This can cause the water to become stagnant and can have negative effects on the ecosystem.

For example, if a dam is built on a river, the water behind the dam may become a backwater. This can cause the water to become stagnant and can lead to the buildup of sediment and other pollutants.

Backwater can also occur in smaller bodies of water, such as ponds or lakes, when there is an obstruction that prevents the water from flowing freely.