What does the doctrine of prior appropriation grant?

The doctrine of prior appropriation is a fundamental principle in Arizona water law that provides specific legal rights related to water usage. This doctrine establishes that the first person to divert and use water from a source for beneficial purposes has a superior right to that water, which means they have legal priority over subsequent users. Essentially, this principle emphasizes that "first in time, first in right" governs the allocation of water resources.

By granting a legal right to use water before subsequent users, the doctrine protects those who have established their water rights by using and diverting water first. This is crucial in arid regions like Arizona, where water can be scarce and competition for access to water might be intense. The concept ensures that those who have historically relied on a given water source for agricultural or other beneficial uses maintain their access despite later claims by others.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the nature of water rights under prior appropriation. The doctrine does not confer ownership of water sources on private property, nor does it grant unrestricted access to public waterways. Additionally, it is not based on proximity to the water source, but rather on the timing of use and the beneficial purpose for which the water is diverted. Thus, A accurately captures the essence of the doctrine