Riparian Doctrine

The Riparian Doctrine is a legal principle that governs the use of water from rivers and streams by property owners whose land borders these water bodies. It allows landowners to use the water reasonably for domestic, agricultural, or other lawful purposes, as long as their use doesn't harm upstream or downstream neighbors' rights. The doctrine emphasizes that water is a shared resource, and rights are tied to land ownership along the watercourse. Its main goal is to balance individual property rights with the fair and sustainable use of water for all riparian (bordering) landowners.