Water Rights

Question 1

Accretion

Answer 1

A slow build up of land by natural forces such as wind or water. Can cause property owner to gain land

Question 2

Alluvion

Answer 2

The surface land gained by accretion

Question 3

Avulsion

Answer 3

A sudden loss of land, which may occur due to an earthquake, landslide etc

Question 4

Erosion

Answer 4

The gradual wearing away of land through process of nature

Question 5

Littoral Rights

Answer 5

Rights granted to owners of land that borders lakes or oceans. Littoral rights not applicable to any Arizona lakes

Question 6

Navigable waterways

Answer 6

Landowner owns the land to the water’s edge at high water mark but none below water. Colorado River only navigable river in Arizona

Question 7

Non-Navigable Waterways

Answer 7

Landowner owns the land beneath the surface of the water to the center of the streambed at the low water mark

Question 8

Prior Appropriation

Answer 8

Water rights doctrine that applies to arid regions of the country which means ‘first in time, first in use’

Question 9

Relicition

Answer 9

The gradual recession of water from the usual watermark therefore, an increase of the land

Question 10

Riparian rights

Answer 10

Grant owners of the land located along a stream, river, or lake - generally non-navigable - rights to the land beneath the surface of the water

Question 11

Riparian doctrine

Answer 11

General basis for water rights laws in states with a large amount of surface water

Question 12

Reasonable use

Answer 12

Declares users must show beneficial use of water requested and secure a permit for surface water or groundwater

Question 13

Arizona Water Permits

Answer 13

Required for beneficial use, surface water, irrigation water

Question 14

Perfected Water Right

Answer 14

Valid for 40 years, is appurtenant to the land, can be lost though intentional abandonment