The non-navigable rights of a property owner along the banks of a river are called what?

The rights of a property owner along the banks of a river are referred to as riparian rights. These rights typically grant the owner access to the water, the ability to use it for certain purposes, and the right to make reasonable use of the water as long as it does not infringe on the rights of other riparian landowners. Riparian rights are associated specifically with land that borders a flowing water source, such as a river or stream, distinguishing them from littoral rights, which pertain to properties adjacent to stationary bodies of water, like lakes or oceans.

Understanding riparian rights is essential, particularly in managing water resources and legal disputes related to water use. These rights are based on the principle that water is a shared resource, and landowners along its banks have a responsibility to use the water in a manner that does not detrimentally affect other users. This framework helps maintain balance and fairness in water-use practices within a community.