<P> Water right in water law refers to the right of a user to use water from a water source, e.g., a river, stream, pond or source of groundwater . In areas with plentiful water and few users, such systems are generally not complicated or contentious . In other areas, especially arid areas where irrigation is practiced, such systems are often the source of conflict, both legal and physical . Some systems treat surface water and ground water in the same manner, while others use different principles for each . </P> <P> Understanding' Water Rights' first requires consideration of the context and origin of the' right' being discussed, or asserted . Traditionally, a water rights refers to the utilization of water as an element supporting basic human needs like drinking or irrigation . Water Rights could also include the physical occupancy of waterways for purposes of travel, commerce and even recreational pursuits . The legal principles and doctrines that forms the basis of each type of water rights are not interchangeable and vary according to local and national laws . Therefore, variations among countries, and within national subdivisions, exist in discussing and acknowledging these rights . </P> <P> Often, water rights are based on ownership of the land upon which the water rests or flows . Under English Common law, any rights asserted to' moveable and wandering' water must be based upon rights to the' permanent and immovable' land below . </P> <P> On streams and rivers these are referred to as riparian rights, or littoral rights, which are protected by property law . Legal principles long recognized under Riparian principles, involve the right to remove the water--for drinking or irrigation - or to add more water into the channel--for drainage or effluence . Under riparian law, rights the water is subject to the test of' reasonable use' . The judiciary has defined' reasonable use' principle as follows: "the true test of the principle and extent of the use is, whether it is to the injury of the other proprietors or not ." </P>

Who has the right to any given water source