water right

noun

1. the right to make use of the water from a particular stream, lake, or irrigation canal.

water right

noun

1. the right to make use of a water supply, as for irrigation

Word History and Origins

Origin of water right¹

An Americanism dating back to 1785–95

Example Sentences

La Mutua formed in 1900 as a secret society to assist members fighting against the theft of their land and water rights.

From Los Angeles Times

District 22 voters, he said, are concerned about water rights, homelessness, crime and affordable housing.

From Los Angeles Times

Luther, never the best of businessmen, lost money in typical SoCal fashion — over water rights.

From Los Angeles Times

“Although we did not go far enough in ensuring that our water rights system functions in times of scarcity, we did take an important step,” Bauer-Kahan said.

From Los Angeles Times

State officials determined last year that the company has been unlawfully diverting much of the water without valid water rights — agreeing with Frye and others, who had questioned the company’s claims and presented historical documents.

From Los Angeles Times