Which term refers to the rights governing the use of flowing water that borders a property?

The term that refers to the rights governing the use of flowing water that borders a property is known as Riparian rights. These rights allow property owners to use water from adjacent rivers and streams for various purposes, such as irrigation, recreation, and consumption. Riparian rights are generally associated with properties that are situated alongside or have access to flowing water, granting the owners certain privileges.

This concept is important in property law because it outlines the entitlements of landowners to the natural water resources that are crucial for agricultural, residential, and commercial purposes. Distinguishing Riparian rights from other types of rights, such as water rights—which can encapsulate broader uses beyond purely flowing water—helps clarify the legal standing of property ownership in relation to natural water bodies.

Adverse possession refers to a method of acquiring title to land by occupying it for a statutory period, while easement rights pertain to the right to use another property for a specific purpose. Water rights might indicate a broader category that includes both Riparian rights and the rights associated with non-flowing bodies of water, but they do not specifically address the rights to flowing water as directly as Riparian rights do.