What are riparian rights concerned with?

Riparian rights pertain to the entitlements of landowners whose properties are adjacent to a body of water, such as a river or a lake. These rights allow them to access and utilize the water for various purposes, including domestic use, irrigation, and recreation, provided that such use does not adversely affect the rights of other riparian owners or the overall ecosystem of the water body.

The concept of riparian rights is rooted in the idea that water is a shared resource, and landowners must engage in reasonable use while respecting the rights of their neighbors. This principle ensures that no one can monopolize the water supply or disrupt the natural flow to the detriment of others who share that water source.

Understanding this helps clarify the nature of riparian rights distinctly from other legal principles involved in property ownership, contract law, or neighborly relations, as outlined in the other options.