Doctrine of Prior Appropriation

The Doctrine of Prior Appropriation is a principle used mainly in water rights management, particularly in western U.S. states. It establishes that the first person to use a body of water for beneficial purposes, like irrigation or drinking, has the right to continue using that water, even if others want to use it later. This system prioritizes earlier users and encourages efficient and productive use of water resources, especially in arid regions where water is limited. It contrasts with the "riparian rights" system, which grants rights based on land ownership adjacent to water sources.