What consequence does a property owner face if they fail to file a claim during adjudication?

When a property owner fails to file a claim during the adjudication process, it can lead to the forfeiture of their water rights. Adjudication is a legal process used to resolve the competing claims of water rights among different users in a specific area. By not filing a claim, the property owner essentially forfeits their opportunity to assert their rights, which can result in losing access to those water resources.

In the context of Arizona's water laws, this is a critical issue because water is often limited and rights to it can significantly impact property value and usability. Failure to act during this important legal procedure can have lasting implications for the property owner, as they may not be able to reclaim those rights if they are lost.

The other options present scenarios that do not directly relate to the immediate consequences of failing to file a claim during adjudication. Selling the property, facing financial penalties, or being unaffected are not accurate reflections of the primary risk associated with inaction during this critical period in water rights management.