What is the doctrine of water appropriation?

The doctrine of water appropriation is a legal concept used to regulate the use of water in North Carolina. It refers to the right of the state to "appropriate" a certain amount of water from a body of water, such as a river, lake, or stream, for a specific purpose. This appropriation is often done by the state government, but the rights of the appropriator also belong to any individual or private entity who legally acquires such rights. The doctrine of water appropriation ensures that water is used in a way that is beneficial to public interest. It also allows the state to protect its natural resources and prevent the over-utilization of water resources by allowing it to set limits on how much water may be taken from a given source. It also encourages the development of new and improved water technologies and infrastructure, which can improve the efficiency of water management and distribution. Water appropriation can also be used to resolve disputes among appropriators. This is done through the use of a variety of legal measures, such as the allocation of water rights and the development of water quality standards. Finally, the doctrine of water appropriation is often used to help protect and preserve wetlands, which are often essential to the health of a local ecosystem.

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