What is beneficial use?

Beneficial use is a concept used in water law in Tennessee and other states across the U.S. Beneficial use refers to the idea that water is put to a beneficial or useful purpose, such as irrigation, municipal water supply, industry, and recreation. This concept is necessary because it helps to protect and regulate water resources. In Tennessee, beneficial use is a key concept in the legal framework of water rights. The Tennessee Water Resources Act requires that all water used in the state must be put to beneficial use, and this includes surface water, groundwater, and wastewater. All users of water must demonstrate that the water they are using is actually being put to a beneficial use. Beneficial use of water helps to ensure that it is being used efficiently and responsibly. It ensures that water is not wasted or diverted to non-useful purposes, such as flushing, washing, or disposing of hazardous materials. It also helps to conserve the finite amount of water available and support ecosystems that are dependent upon a steady flow of water. Beneficial use is therefore an important concept when it comes to water law in Tennessee and other states.

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