Riparian Doctrine

A body of water law called riparian law evolved in the wet climate of England and later took hold in the eastern United States. Riparian law grants the right to divert water based upon ownership of land adjoining a waterway. Anyone residing on property which contains or borders a waterway has the right to divert as much water as they need as long as they do not injure other downstream users. Riparian law is not feasible in Colorado due to the semi-arid climate.

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