Riparian rights are based on the fact that an owner's land abuts which type of water?

Riparian rights pertain to the rights of landowners whose property is adjacent to a flowing body of water, specifically those connected to waterways that are navigable. These rights allow the property owner to make reasonable use of the water while also considering the rights of other riparian owners along the same waterway.

Navigable streams are categorized as those rivers or lakes that can be used for transportation and commerce. Because these bodies of water are considered public resources, landowners with property alongside navigable streams have specific legal rights and responsibilities. They can access the water for various purposes, including irrigation, recreation, and fishing, but they must do so without interfering with the rights of others.

Understanding this concept is crucial for landowners and surveyors alike, as it can have implications for property value, land use, and legal disputes. It’s important to note that while ponds, non-navigable streams, and groundwater may have their own associated rights and uses, they do not fall under the traditional definition of riparian rights as it pertains to navigating streams.