What are water rights in terms of land ownership?

Water rights refer to the right of a landowner or business to use water on or from the property they control. In Pennsylvania, water rights are based on the reasonable use doctrine. This doctrine states that a property owner can make a reasonable use of any water that directly or indirectly crosses their land. This includes water from streams, lakes, and wells, among other sources. A landowner has the right to use the water for domestic, agriculture, and commercial purposes. This includes activities such as drinking, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. Depending on the type of use, a landowner may need to obtain a specific permit from the Department of Environmental Protection. In Pennsylvania, a landowner also has the right to access navigable waters. This includes any waters used to move goods or people through transportation. A landowner may also have the right to divert or stop the flow of water and build dams. However, these activities must comply with all environmental and legal regulations and may require an approved permit. Water rights are an important part of land ownership in Pennsylvania. They ensure property owners can make effective and reasonable use of the resources available on their land without negatively affecting the area’s water supply. They also provide an important avenue for businesses to make good use of the natural resources available in the state.

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