Property OwnershipIntermediateAlabama Exam

A riparian rights owner in Alabama has rights to:

AAll water under their property regardless of depth

BReasonable use of water from a stream or river bordering their landCorrect

CExclusive rights to all water in an adjacent river, as a general rule

DUnlimited diversion of river water for irrigation

Why Reasonable use of water from a stream or river bordering their land Is Correct

Answer B: Reasonable use of water from a stream or river bordering their land

Riparian rights doctrine gives landowners whose property borders a stream or river the right to reasonable use of that water, as long as it doesn't unreasonably interfere with other riparian owners.

Exam Tip: Property Ownership

Property ownership questions test the bundle of rights and different forms of ownership. Know the differences between joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and community property, including the right of survivorship.

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Key Terms to Know

Joint Tenancy

Co-ownership where two or more people hold equal, undivided interests with the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the surviving owners.

Easement

A non-possessory right to use another person's land for a specific purpose.

Tenancy in Common

Co-ownership where two or more people hold undivided interests that need not be equal and pass to each owner's heirs — no right of survivorship.

Right of First Refusal

A contractual right giving a party the opportunity to match any offer received before the owner can accept it from a third party.