"Water Appropriations Systems And State Programs".pdf

Riparian rights in Eastern states and Prior Appropriation in Western states. Riparian rights involve the right to use water as a property right, granted to land in contact with lakes and rivers, with characteristics including:
Upstream users must allow sufficient flow for downstream users
Users share shortages in times of drought
Water rights are part of the land and cannot be transferred
Water rights are not lost by non-use
Regulated by "reasonable use"

Prior Appropriation characteristics include:
"First in time, first in right"
Senior water users have rights to all water in times of drought
Water rights can be transferred without relation to land
* Water rights are lost by non-use

A hybrid system is used in some states, recognizing both riparian and appropriative rights. The Clean Water Act regulates surface water pollution, and state governments set standards for allowable pollutants. In Minnesota, riparian rights arise from owning shoreland, with priorities set for water use in times of shortage. State agencies, including the PCA, DNR, and BWSR, have roles in water regulation and management.