How does riparian law relate to prior appropriation law?

Riparian law and prior appropriation law are two distinct systems of water law that are used in California. Riparian law is based on the common law and is used to determine the rights of property owners who own land adjacent to a waterway. Under this system, property owners have the right to use the water for reasonable and beneficial uses. Such uses include domestic and agricultural needs, but not commercial uses. Prior appropriation law is based on the doctrine of "first in time, first in right" and regulates the rights of those who use water that flows from a source, such as a stream, river, or aquifer. Under this system, the rights of those who first use the water are legally superior to those who use it later in time. The rights to the water are also quantified according to how much of it is used and for what purpose. The two systems are linked in that riparian water rights generally take precedence over prior appropriation rights. This means that riparian users of the waterway have rights to the water that are superior to the rights of prior appropriators. However, the two can also overlap. In California, riparian and prior appropriator users must both obtain a permit from the State Water Resources Control Board before they can legally divert and use water from a source.

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How does riparian law relate to prior appropriation law?

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