Which doctrine requires compliance with statutory requirements to acquire water rights?

The Prior Appropriation Doctrine is a legal principle that governs water rights, particularly in arid regions where water resources are limited. This doctrine allocates water rights based on a "first in time, first in right" principle, meaning that the first person to use a water source for a beneficial purpose has the right to continue using that water, regardless of the land ownership.

To acquire these water rights under the Prior Appropriation Doctrine, individuals or entities must typically comply with established statutory requirements. This often involves applying for permits, proving beneficial use, and sometimes paying fees. The rationale behind these statutory requirements is to manage water resources efficiently and equitably, especially in areas where water scarcity is a concern.

In contrast, the Riparian Rights Doctrine and Littoral Rights Doctrine apply to landowners with water bodies adjoining their property, emphasizing the rights of those landowners without a similar emphasis on statutory compliance for appropriation. The Subsurface Rights Doctrine usually pertains to rights concerning minerals and resources below the surface rather than to water. Therefore, the focus on compliance with statutory requirements to secure water rights makes the Prior Appropriation Doctrine the correct response in this context.