What are water rights in terms of land ownership?

Water rights in Virginia refer to the legal allowances for an owner of land to use water resources on or adjacent to their property. In basic terms, this means that, depending on the nature of certain bodies of water and their respective uses, the owner of the land may be allowed to draw from, or deposit into, the water resource. This legal right may apply to lakes, rivers, streams, or reservoirs. In terms of land ownership, water rights provide a certain level of control over the use of the water resource. They allow the landowner to use or draw from the water in ways that are consistent with the use specifically outlined by the water rights. This might include the right to use the water for irrigating crops, for drinking or cooking, for fishing, or for other purposes. In Virginia, water rights are determined by the Commonwealth’s Water Control Board. This Board is responsible for considering a range of factors such as water quality, potential public welfare threats, and local customs. If the Board considers a permit for a water right to be appropriate, it will be issued and the landowner will be legally allowed to use the water resource in accordance with their rights. It is important to note that the rights of landowners depend on the specific body of water that is being accessed and the uses that are associated with it. Water rights are exclusive to the individual or organization that owns the land and are not transferable.

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