Property Ownership

In Tennessee, riparian rights give a landowner whose property borders a natural stream or river the right to:

AOwn the entire waterway up to the centerline
BMake reasonable use of the water without substantially diminishing its flow✓ Correct
CDivert all water from the stream for agricultural irrigation
DExclude the public from all access to the waterway

Explanation

Under riparian rights doctrine (used in Tennessee and most eastern states), landowners adjacent to a watercourse may make reasonable use of the water, but may not substantially interfere with the rights of other riparian owners downstream.

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