Property Ownership

In Arizona, the prior appropriation doctrine governs water rights. Under this doctrine:

AAll landowners adjacent to a water source share equal rights to its use

BThe first person to put water to beneficial use has the superior right✓ Correct

CWater rights are automatically transferred with the sale of real property

DThe state government owns all surface water rights

Explanation

Arizona follows the prior appropriation doctrine ('first in time, first in right'). The first party to divert and put water to beneficial use has priority over later appropriators.

People Also Study

Key Terms to Know

Easement

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

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.

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.

Option Contract

A contract giving the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a property at a specified price within a specified time period.