Which of the following is an example of a riparian water use?

Using river water for irrigation is a prime example of riparian water use because it involves the use of water that is directly adjacent to a water course, such as a river or stream. Riparian rights typically allow landowners whose property borders a water body to make reasonable use of that water, as long as it does not significantly harm other users. This use includes activities such as irrigation, which directly benefits agricultural practices by allowing access to the flowing water for crops.

The other scenarios do not illustrate riparian water use. Collecting rainwater is usually governed by different regulations concerning rainwater harvesting and involves water that does not flow in a defined body. Buying bottled water is entirely a commercial transaction unrelated to the direct use of natural water bodies. Obtaining water from underground aquifers pertains to geological and hydrological processes pertaining to groundwater, which also employs different legal frameworks compared to surface water rights.