riparian right

noun

Law.

1. a right, as fishing or use of water for irrigation or power, enjoyed by a person who owns riparian property.

Word History and Origins

Origin of riparian right¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The legislation expressly authorizes the State Water Resources Control Board to investigate all water rights claims — including riparian rights and pre-1914 rights — and to determine whether the rights are valid.

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California still recognizes water rights based on those old claims, as well as riparian rights based on land ownership next to rivers and streams.

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Some properties on the water come with “riparian rights” pertaining to the ownership and use of the waterfront.

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Workshops will deal with subjects such as natural shoreline design, invasive species and riparian rights.

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In the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, growers with riparian rights volunteered last month to reduce their use by 25% this summer — a deal that headed off possibly more severe cuts by the state board.

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