Doctrine of Prior Appropriation Flashcards

Doctrine of Prior Appropriation Flashcards hydrolectric powerBeneficial to residential, commercial and industrial use.Beneficial UseTo secure water rights in prior appropriation states, the requested use must be considered beneficial to some household, agricultural, or household operation.IrrigationBeneficial to agricultural use.Single source multiple rightsThe rights to a water source are sometimes granted to more than one user. If the first permit holder doesn't need all of the water for its declared use, additional permits may be granted. In a drought or shortage the first permit holder is ensured access to at least some water.Prior Appropriation StatesHistorically in western states, where water was more likely to be a scarce commodity. Current states that subscribe to the doctrine include but not limited to, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Water rights are not connected to property ownership, and can be sold.Doctrine of Prior AppropriationA legal doctrine that grants water rights to the first individual or entity to take water from a source for beneficial use. Granted by the state based on need and use rather than adjacency.