What can be inferred about the property owner's rights to the river water based on state law?

The correct choice highlights that property owners must demonstrate beneficial use of the water in accordance with state law. This principle is rooted in the doctrine of prior appropriation, which emphasizes that water rights are granted not merely based on ownership of land adjacent to a water source but rather on the actual use and benefit that is derived from the water.

In many jurisdictions, simply owning land next to a river does not automatically grant the owner unrestricted rights to use the water. Instead, the law often requires that the water be used in a manner that is beneficial, meaning that it must serve a purpose such as irrigation, domestic use, or industrial applications. This ensures that the water resources are managed sustainably and shared fairly among users, which is particularly important in times of scarcity.

Thus, this choice reflects the legal landscape surrounding water rights, reinforcing that land ownership does not equate to unlimited entitlements regarding water extraction or use without consideration of its impact on the resource and other users.