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

In Washington, water law is based on the doctrine of prior appropriation and the riparian doctrine. The differences between these two doctrines are important to understand in order to comprehend the complexities of water law in the state. The riparian doctrine states that water rights are based on the ownership of land where water flows. This doctrine was traditionally applied to lakes, rivers, and streams. Those who owned property along the watercourse had a right to use the water for domestic or agricultural purposes. The riparian doctrine does not recognize the concept of water rights for non-riparians. In contrast, the prior appropriation doctrine is based on the recognition of water rights for non-riparians. This doctrine states that water rights are determined by who was the first to put the water to beneficial use. This doctrine is based on the "first in time, first in right" principle which means the first person to put the water to beneficial use gets the right to continue to use it. The prior appropriation doctrine applies to all water, including surface water, groundwater, and imported water. Both doctrines are important elements of Washington water law and it is important to understand the differences between them. The riparian doctrine applies only to water flowing in rivers and streams. In contrast, the prior appropriation doctrine applies to all types of water, including streams, and groundwater, and imported water. Additionally, the riparian doctrine does not recognize the concept of water rights for non-riparians, while the prior appropriation doctrine does.

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

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