Property Ownership

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

Explanation

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. Water rights are separate from land ownership and can be bought and sold separately.

Related Colorado Property Ownership Questions

Practice More Colorado Real Estate Questions

1,500+ questions covering all exam topics. Start free — no signup required.

Take the Free Colorado Quiz →