Property Ownership

Which of the following best describes 'riparian rights' as opposed to the prior appropriation doctrine used in New Mexico?

ARights to use water based on land adjacent to the water source (used in wetter eastern states)✓ Correct
BRights based on first use of the water (used in New Mexico)
CThe right to divert water for any purpose
DGovernment ownership of all surface water

Explanation

Riparian rights (used in wetter eastern states) give landowners adjacent to water bodies the right to use that water. New Mexico follows prior appropriation (first in time, first in right), not riparian rights.

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