What is characteristic of the Prior Appropriation Doctrine?

The Prior Appropriation Doctrine is a legal principle that governs water rights, primarily in western states of the United States. It fundamentally establishes that water rights are acquired through the process of statutory compliance, which means individuals must follow certain laws and regulations to obtain and maintain their rights to use water from a specific source.

This doctrine emphasizes the concept of "first in time, first in right," meaning that the first person to divert water from a source for beneficial use has the right to continue using that water, provided they adhere to the legal framework governing those rights. This process typically involves the application for a permit, usage for a specified purpose, and sometimes additional requirements depending on local laws.

In contrast to the other options, the Prior Appropriation Doctrine does not operate on the notion that water rights are free from regulation, nor does it rely on land ownership alone to justify water claims. Additionally, it does not inherently extend water rights to adjacent landowners, as those rights must be legally established and are not based solely on proximity to the water source. Thus, the characteristic of acquiring water rights through statutory compliance aligns directly with the principles of this doctrine.