What is riparian water rights priority?

Riparian water rights priority refers to the legal framework that governs the water rights of those who own land adjacent to rivers, streams and other bodies of water. In California, riparian water rights give landowners the right to use the water that flows through their property for domestic and commercial uses, as long as it does not interfere with the rights of other riparian owners. These rights are given first priority in water disputes, meaning that if a dispute arises, the riparian water rights of the riparian owners will be the first to be considered, before consideration is given to those with other types of water rights. Riparian water rights also dictate that landowners may not reduce the flow of water in streams, divert the water for other purposes and/or pollute the stream with pesticides or other chemicals. Riparian water rights enforce a shared responsibility among riparian owners to maintain and in some cases, restore the water quality of the stream and its associated habitats.

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What is riparian water rights priority?

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