Which rights allow a property owner to use a water source that borders their land?

The correct answer highlights the concept of riparian rights, which are specific legal rights that enable property owners to utilize bodies of water that are adjacent to or flow through their land. These rights are typically associated with freshwater sources, such as rivers and streams, and allow the owner reasonable use of the water for purposes such as irrigation, domestic use, or recreational activities.

Riparian rights are grounded in the principle that water is a shared resource and should be used in a manner that does not negatively impact other riparian landowners. This balance encourages cooperation among users while ensuring that each property owner can benefit from access to the water source.

In contrast, surface water rights pertain to the management of water resources not necessarily tied to a specific piece of land, which differs from the location-specific nature of riparian rights. Drainage rights refer to the rights concerning the removal of water from a property, often related to managing excess water or protecting against flooding, and do not encompass usage of water from a bordering source. Water table rights generally involve the extraction of groundwater and do not apply to surface water bodies. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the importance of riparian rights in relation to property ownership and water usage.