Property OwnershipIntermediateArizona Exam

In Arizona, the prior appropriation doctrine for water rights means:

AWhoever owns the land adjacent to the water owns the water
BFirst in time, first in right—earlier appropriators have priority over later onesCorrect
CWater rights are distributed equally among all users
DThe state owns all water rights

Why First in time, first in right—earlier appropriators have priority over later ones Is Correct

Answer B: First in time, first in right—earlier appropriators have priority over later ones

Arizona follows the prior appropriation doctrine: 'first in time, first in right.' Those who first put water to beneficial use have senior rights over later appropriators, regardless of land location.

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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