water allocation rights

Water allocation rights are legal permissions that determine how much water a person, company, or municipality can use from a specific water source. These rights prioritize certain users—such as farmers, cities, or industries—and ensure fair and sustainable distribution based on historical use, needs, or legal agreements. They help manage water resources effectively, especially during shortages, by clearly defining who can access water and under what conditions. Essentially, water rights provide a structured framework to allocate and protect water use among various stakeholders, balancing demand with conservation.