Legal Definitions - riparian right

Definition: Riparian right refers to the right of a landowner whose property is adjacent to a body of water or watercourse. This right allows the landowner to make reasonable use of the water.

For example, if a landowner owns a property that borders a river, they have the riparian right to use the water for activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating. However, this right is limited to reasonable use, meaning that the landowner cannot use the water in a way that interferes with the rights of other riparian landowners or causes harm to the environment.

Riparian rights are important in water law and are often the subject of disputes between landowners. Understanding these rights is crucial for anyone who owns property near a body of water.