Property OwnershipIntermediateColorado Exam

Under Colorado law, water rights are governed by the doctrine of:

ARiparian rights — adjacent landowners own water
BPrior appropriation — 'first in time, first in right'Correct
CCorrelative rights — shared equally among users
DAbsolute ownership — landowners own all underlying water

Why Prior appropriation — 'first in time, first in right' Is Correct

Answer B: Prior appropriation — 'first in time, first in right'

Colorado follows the prior appropriation doctrine for water rights: 'first in time, first in right.' Senior water right holders have priority over junior holders during shortages.

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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