Unit 8 Bronze

Question 1

Summarize the riparian rights doctrine & prior appropriations doctrine

Answer 1

Riparian Rights

Riparian owner can use water adjacent to their land as long

Prior appropriations

Granted based on if the water is being used for a beneficial use. Unlike riparian, it is not tied with land ownership

“first come, first serve”
The earliest user has the superior rights

If drought occurrs. Senior Appropriators can continue to use the water however they want, while Junior appropriators may get none

Question 2

Explain how you would set up water rights for your state

Answer 2

I would utilize Riparian rights doctrine

Question 3

Prioritize who should get water in the event of a drought

Answer 3

Irrigation for agriculture
Cities
Wildlife
Hydroelectric power
Other
Recreation

Question 4

Debate info or possible arguments