Property Ownership

Under Oregon water law, the doctrine that governs surface water rights is:

ARiparian rights — landowners adjacent to water have equal rights
BPrior appropriation — first in time, first in right✓ Correct
CFederal preemption — all water belongs to the federal government
DPublic trust — all water is held in trust for public use

Explanation

Oregon follows the prior appropriation doctrine for surface water rights: 'first in time, first in right.' Water rights are based on the date of first beneficial use, not land ownership. This system is common in western states where water is scarce.

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