In Arizona, which classification of water rights pertains to surface sources?

In Arizona, surface water rights specifically govern the use of water from rivers, lakes, and streams that are found above ground. This classification is essential for managing the allocation and permitted use of water resources directly sourced from surface bodies. Arizona operates under the doctrine of prior appropriation for surface water rights, meaning that water rights are granted to the first users (or appropriators) who put the water to beneficial use.

These rights ensure that users have legal access to these water sources for agricultural, domestic, and industrial purposes. Other classifications of water rights, like ground water rights or riparian rights, pertain to different resources or conditions. Ground water rights deal specifically with water found underground, while riparian rights bestow water usage rights to landowners whose property abuts a water source, specifically in regions governed by common law rather than prior appropriation. Thus, surface water rights are the appropriate classification for water sourced from above ground in Arizona.