Final answer:
In Arizona, the use of surface water is governed by the prior appropriation system, reasonable use standards, and a permitting process, not by riparian rights. It emphasizes careful management and sustainability of water resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of surface water in Arizona is governed by several legal doctrines and administrative regulations. The primary water use frameworks include the prior appropriation system, the reasonable use standard, and a permitting process overseen by the State Department of Water Resources.
What does not apply in Arizona's case is the riparian rights system. Unlike prior appropriation, which grants water rights based on a first-come, first-served principle, riparian rights are tied to land ownership along a watercourse and are more common in the eastern United States.
In Arizona, the dry climate and need for careful water control mean stronger reliance on administrative permits and the prior appropriation doctrine to manage water resources effectively.
Additionally, applications for water use in Arizona must consider the overall sustainability and ecological impact on the water body, ensuring that the source can support the required uses, such as public water supply, agriculture, or industrial needs.