Final Answer:
The allocation of water rights in many states is determined by prior appropriation. The correct option is d. Prior Approriation
Explanation:
Prior appropriation is a legal doctrine that governs the distribution of water rights in many western states in the United States. Under this system, water rights are granted to individuals or entities who have put the water to beneficial use, and the order of priority is determined by the date of first use. This means that the first person to divert water for a beneficial purpose, such as irrigation or mining, has priority over subsequent users.
If there is not enough water to meet all demands, senior water right holders are entitled to their full allocation before junior users receive any water. This system encourages efficient use of water resources and discourages wasteful practices, as users must demonstrate a beneficial use before being granted a water right.
Prior appropriation has been criticized for its potential to lead to conflicts between water users and for failing to account for environmental concerns, but it remains a popular approach to water management in many western states due to its perceived effectiveness in managing scarce water resources.
Therefore, The correct option is d. Prior Approriation