Legal Definitions - percolating water

Definition: Percolating water is water that seeps through the soil without a defined channel, such as rainwater or other water that has lost its status as part of a stream. It usually constitutes part of the land on which it is found.

Example: When it rains, the water that seeps into the ground and is absorbed by the soil is an example of percolating water. This water is not part of a defined channel or stream, but rather is absorbed by the land on which it falls.

This definition is important in water law because percolating water is usually considered part of the land on which it is found, and therefore the owner of the land has the right to use it. This is different from water that is part of a defined channel or stream, which may be subject to different regulations and may be owned by the state or other entities.