What are water rights in terms of land ownership?

Water rights in terms of land ownership refer to the legal ability of a landowner to use or control the water on their land. In North Carolina, the types of water rights that can be held by landowners include surface water rights, ground water rights, and riparian rights. Surface water rights are rights that are held by a landowner to use surface water that flows over or through their property. This water can be used for activities such as fishing, swimming, or irrigating. Ground water rights are similar but refer to the right to access and use ground water that resides below the land surface. These rights can include the ability to pump, store, and use water. Riparian rights refer to the right to access or control water that occurs near or upon the land. This includes water from rivers, streams, lakes, and other water bodies, and it may also include the right to fish, hunt, or traverse the water. It is important to note that the right to use water is not the same as a right to ownership. Water rights are typically separate from the title for the land, and a person must obtain the corresponding rights to use the water. In North Carolina, these water rights are regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

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