What are the various types of water rights?

Water rights refer to a person’s legal authority to use a certain amount of water from a specific source, such as a lake, river, or creek. This type of right is especially important in Virginia, due to the importance of water for agricultural, recreational, and environmental purposes. There are two types of water rights in Virginia: riparian and littoral rights. Riparian rights are legal rights that stem from owning property along a water body. This type of right grants property owners with exclusive use of the water on their property, and the right to access the water off their property. Littoral rights are legal rights that stem from owning property along a shoreline. This type of right grants property owners with exclusive use of the water within the reach of their property, as well as access to navigable waters. In addition to riparian and littoral rights, Virginia also recognizes common-law rights, such as use for agricultural purposes and payment for damages for lost crops due to water pollution or unauthorized water use. Additionally, many localities in the state have established water rights restrictions on both surface water and groundwater. Overall, water rights law in Virginia is complex and varies depending on the local jurisdictional rules and state statutes. Therefore, it is important to consult with an attorney with experience in water law to ensure that state and local laws are being complied with.

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