Riparian Rights

Thomas Strong, P.L.S.

Course Outline

This course covers the topic of Riparian Rights and their effect on Real Property. It is important for the Land Surveyor to understand the legal principles of water rights and to be able to make intelligent decisions with respect to water boundaries.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

• Have a greater understanding of the different concepts of water boundary law;
• Understand the importance of locating evidence in the field;
• Be familiar with the ways water can change boundaries;
• Understand the different types of riparian ownership;
• Learn about tidal boundaries;
• Learn how to establish the mean high water line at a site;
• Understand datums;
• Understand how to determine navigability;
• Be familiar with littoral rights;
• Understand why riparian rights are important;
• Be familiar with the definitions used in describing water boundaries; and
• Learn to appreciate this complex area of boundary location.
  
  

Intended Audience

This course is intended for Land Surveyors.

Benefit to Attendees

After finishing this course the student will have a better understanding of the different concepts of water boundary law. He will understand the importance of the location of evidence in the field, which may influence decision-making with respect to water boundaries.

Course Introduction

Bodies of water are usually permanent and unmistakable. They are considered natural monuments that delineate the location of boundaries. They lack however a very important characteristic of a monument - stability. A myriad of legal principles exist which deal with the different aspects of water boundaries and court decisions vary considerably on a case by case basis, as a result water boundary location is probably one of the most complex areas of boundary location a land surveyor must deal with.

Course Content

The link to the course content is as follows:

Riparian Rights (PDF file 23 KB)

You need to open or download the above document to study this course.

Course Summary

The legal issues presented in this course and the rights of the riparian landowners are varied and complex. Any attempt to deal with all of them would fill many volumes and is beyond the scope of this course.

The purpose of this course is not to provide legal advise on particular issues, but rather to provide a basis for understanding the general legal principles associated with the topics presented.

Since the resolution of a particular riparian issue almost always depends on the specific facts pertaining to that issue, the land surveyor is encouraged to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable in riparian law in your state before relying on the broad principles set forth herein.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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