What is the term for the right to use surface water adjacent to your land for beneficial use?

The term that refers to the right to use surface water adjacent to one's land for beneficial purposes is known as riparian water right. This concept is rooted in the legal principles governing water rights in many jurisdictions, particularly in areas where water bodies are located close to property.

Riparian rights are based on the principle that landowners whose property is adjacent to a body of water have the right to access and use that water, provided it is for reasonable and beneficial use. This means that the water must not be used in a way that significantly diminishes the quality or quantity available for other users. It's important to note that these rights are usually linked to the ownership of the land adjacent to the water.

In contrast, surface water rights generally pertain to a broader category of water rights that can also include non-riparian water sources, which do not apply in this case. Groundwater rights focus specifically on the rights associated with underground water extraction and are not applicable to surface water. Access rights typically refer to the physical ability to reach a water source rather than the legal right to use the water itself.

The recognition of riparian rights is crucial for managing water resources responsibly, ensuring equitable access for those whose properties border moving or standing water.