What are Riparian Rights?

Riparian rights are granted to owners of waterfront properties situated along a lake, stream, or river.  Basically, landowners can use the waters as they please as long as their activities don’t disturb neighbors that own properties upstream or downstream.  Littoral rights apply to owners with land situated along navigable lakes and oceans.  Littoral rights grant owners unrestricted access to the waters.  Their property line is placed at the median high water mark, any land beyond this point belongs to the government.  The distinction between littoral and riparian rights is often ignored, and the term riparian right is commonly used to describe property rights in both categories.

Riparian rights are granted when a landowner’s property line extends to the high water mark. When purchasing a property that is adjacent to a body of water, you need to ensure that the land is truly waterfront.