Which term describes the rights of landowners whose land borders a river?

• A. Littoral rights
• B. Riparian rights
• C. Navigational rights
• D. Erosion rights

Answer: (B)

Riparian rights describe the rights of landowners whose property borders a river or stream to the reasonable use of the water that flows past their land. This includes access to the water from their property and using it for domestic needs, irrigation, or other reasonable purposes, as long as the use doesn’t unfairly impact others or the environment. The flowing nature of the water defines the boundary of these rights, which differ from littoral rights that apply to land along still bodies of water like lakes or seas, where ownership typically extends to the water’s edge. Navigational rights concern public access and use of waterways for travel, not the private use of water by landowners, and erosion rights isn’t a standard term in this context.