What is a riparian water right?

A riparian water right is fundamentally a right that is attached to land that directly borders a natural water source, such as a river or stream. This type of water right grants the landowner the privilege to use the water that flows through or adjacent to their property. The principle behind riparian rights is that those with property alongside a water source have the right to access and use the water, as long as this use does not significantly harm other riparian landowners or the water source itself.

This concept is rooted in laws that recognize the relationship between land ownership and water use, promoting a balance between individual rights and the communal nature of water resources. It usually operates under the doctrine of reasonable use, meaning that while riparian owners can utilize the water, they must do so in a way that does not infringe upon the rights of other riparian users.

In contrast, the other options describe different concepts surrounding water rights but do not accurately represent the specific definition of riparian rights. For instance, rights associated with public reservoirs pertain to different regulatory frameworks, and excessive usage or diversion rights would typically fall under different doctrines or legal interpretations that do not apply to riparian rights.