What is the difference between riparian and prior appropriation water rights?

Riparian water rights and prior appropriation water rights are two distinct systems of water law that govern the use and distribution of water. Under the riparian water rights system, the owner of the land that borders a body of water (called a “riparian”) has the right to reasonable use of the water that flows through, over, or across their land. This right is limited to use of the water that is needed for reasonable domestic, sanitary, and livestock purposes. Prior appropriation water rights, on the other hand, are awarded on a "first in time, first in right" basis. Those who used the water first (usually miners or farmers) have the right, even if there is not enough water to serve the needs of those who begin using the water later. This system is especially useful in arid, western states. The District of Columbia does not generally recognize either riparian or prior appropriation water rights. Instead, local water rights are based on the common law doctrine of reasonable use, which is distinct from the riparian or prior appropriation systems. Reasonable use grants water users the right to obtain a reasonable amount of water for beneficial or non-wasteful uses.

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What is the difference between riparian and prior appropriation water rights?

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