Which term describes the legal rights to use water from a nearby body of water?

The term that describes the legal rights to use water from a nearby body of water is "water rights." This concept encompasses the legal entitlements that allow individuals or entities to access and utilize water from sources such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers for purposes like irrigation, consumption, or industrial use. Water rights can be regulated at both state and federal levels, and they often involve considerations like conservation, usage priorities, and sharing of water resources among various stakeholders.

Understanding water rights is crucial, especially in regions where water is scarce or heavily sought after. It ensures that users have lawful access to water while maintaining the sustainability of natural resources. This term broadly applies to various scenarios involving the allocation, usage, and management of water resources in real estate and land use planning.