Final answer:
In prior appropriation states, a landowner must demonstrate that their plans for water use are for a beneficial use in order to secure water rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
In prior appropriation states, a landowner must demonstrate that their plans for water use are for a beneficial use in order to secure water rights. This means that the water will be used for a purpose that adds value to society, such as public water supply, agriculture, industry, or recreation.
The concept of beneficial use is important in water law and is used to allocate water resources based on the priority of the water rights holders. In these states, water rights are generally granted to those who were the first to use the water for a beneficial purpose.
For example, if a landowner plans to use water from a river for irrigating crops or providing drinking water to a community, they would need to demonstrate that this use is beneficial to society in order to secure their water rights.