Interstate Water Rights

Interstate water rights refer to the legal agreements and principles that govern how states share and use water from common sources, such as rivers that flow through multiple states. These laws ensure fair and equitable distribution, preventing conflicts over water access. The key legal framework is the doctrine of prior appropriations and the principles established by interstate compacts or the U.S. Supreme Court. Essentially, they provide a structured way for states to manage shared water resources responsibly, balancing current needs with future sustainability and respecting legal rights established among the states.