What is another term for the rule of reasonable sharing in water rights?

The term "reasonable sharing" in the context of water rights correlates with the Riparian Doctrine. This legal framework recognizes that water rights are inherently tied to land ownership next to a body of water. Under this doctrine, landowners whose properties abut water sources, such as rivers or lakes, have the right to use that water, but their use must be reasonable and must not negatively impact other riparian landowners who also depend on the same water source.

Reasonable sharing ensures that all users have access to water while balancing individual rights and the overall health of the water resource. This concept promotes equitable distribution and emphasizes the cooperative use of water resources among neighboring property owners, which aligns with the idea of sharing in a reasonable manner.

In contrast, other terms such as Prior Appropriation (a doctrine where rights are based on the first in time, first in right principle), the Water Conservation Act (focused on promoting efficient water use and conservation measures), and Common Law Principle (general legal principles derived from court case outcomes) do not specifically address the idea of reasonable sharing among riparian landowners. Each of these terms serves a different legal purpose and context regarding water rights and usage.