How does the law of riparian succession affect water rights?

Riparian succession is a legal concept that pertains to water rights in North Carolina. It is based on the principle that owners of land adjoining a body of water possess an exclusive right to the use of the water that comes from the land. This principle has been recognized in North Carolina since the late 1800s. The concept of riparian succession generally holds that if a landowner dies without a will, then the ownership of the land and associated water rights falls to the surviving heirs of the deceased. This is known as a succession of heirs. In North Carolina, if the deceased does not have any surviving heirs, then the ownership of the land and water rights passes to the state. Riparian succession affects water rights by allowing the state government to determine how the water rights are distributed among property owners. In particular, the state can determine which property owners have the right to use the water for their own purposes and which have the right to transfer their water rights to other owners. Furthermore, the state can set regulations limiting the amount of water that can be used for different purposes, including irrigation, manufacturing, and energy production. The state can also enact laws that protect the communal rights of the people who rely on the water for their livelihoods. Riparian succession has had a major impact on the water rights of North Carolina residents and has helped establish the framework for modern water law. For example, it has allowed the state to protect public access to water, ensure water safety, and regulate the water supply for specific uses. By understanding the concept of riparian succession, individuals can better understand the importance of water rights and the rules that govern them.

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How does the law of riparian succession affect water rights?

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