What are the various types of water rights?

Water rights are the ownership of water on a property or in a certain area. In North Carolina, these water rights are divided into several different types. The first type is riparian rights. These are water rights that apply to property owners that border a body of water, such as a river or lake. Riparian rights give these property owners the right to reasonable use of the water for domestic and agricultural purposes. They also give them the right to access the water from their property, and to have their property protected from flooding due to the water. The second type is littoral rights. These are water rights that are exclusive to owners of waterfront properties. With littoral rights, these property owners have the right to protect their shoreline from erosion and other impacts from the water, and to access the water in its natural state for recreation and fishing. The third type of water right is an appropriation right. This type of water right is allocated by the state and involves the use of water for a commercial purpose, such as hydropower or irrigation. To receive an appropriation right, the application must be approved by the state and a fee is usually required. Lastly, the fourth type of water right is a public trust right. This type of water right ensures that the public has free access to the water for fishing, navigation, and other recreational purposes. It also ensures that the quality of the water is maintained for public use. Overall, these are the four main types of water rights in North Carolina. Each type of water right has its own set of regulations and requirements that must be met in order to gain access to the water. Knowing and understanding water rights is an important part of owning property in this state.

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What are the various types of water rights?

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