water right
Definition
Noun: 1. A legal right to use water from a specific source: A "water right" is a legal entitlement granted to a person, company, or entity to withdraw and use water from a river, stream, lake, or aquifer. This right is often tied to land ownership or historical use and is governed by specific laws and regulations.
Usage
- A "water right" is a formal, legal term used in the context of property law, resource management, and environmental policy. It specifies who can use water, how much they can use, and for what purpose (e.g., irrigation, industrial, domestic).
- It is typically a non-count noun when referring to the general concept or legal doctrine, but can be pluralized ("water rights") when referring to multiple specific entitlements or holdings.
Examples
- The farmer's water right allows him to irrigate 50 acres from the river.
- Securing a water right is essential for the new brewery's operation.
- The court case centered on the dispute over senior water rights.
- Their property includes valuable water rights to the underground aquifer.
Advanced Usage
- Prior appropriation doctrine: A system where water rights are allocated based on a "first in time, first in right" principle, common in western United States.
- Riparian right: A type of water right granted to landowners whose property borders a body of water, allowing for reasonable use.
- Water right adjudication: The legal process of determining the specific nature and priority of water rights within a system.
Variants and Related Words
- Water rights (n., plural form): Refers to multiple specific legal entitlements to use water.
- Water-right (adj., attributive use): Used to describe something related to water rights, e.g., "a water-right dispute," "water-right law."
Synonyms
- Water entitlement
- Water privilege (less common, more formal)
Related Phrases
- To hold a water right: To legally possess a water right.
- To exercise a water right: To actively use the water according to the terms of the right.
- To transfer a water right: To legally sell or lease the right to another party.
Noun
-
right of access to water
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