Property Ownership

In Montana, a 'riparian right' historically gave landowners adjacent to a stream the right to use water. Montana now follows prior appropriation. What does this mean for riparian landowners?

AThey automatically have senior water rights simply by owning riverside land
BOwning land adjacent to water does not automatically confer water rights; rights must be appropriated and used✓ Correct
CThey have no water rights at all
DFederal law overrides Montana water law for riparian landowners

Explanation

Montana has adopted the prior appropriation doctrine, replacing riparian rights. Land adjacent to water does not automatically convey water rights.

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