Water School

This doctrine has its roots in the 1800s, when Texas officials determined riparian doctrine did not address the needs of more arid parts of the state. Since the late 19^th century, land acquired from the state has used prior-appropriation doctrine instead of riparian when considering water rights.

Under this approach, water rights are based on seniority.  In other words, one’s water rights are based on the date one applied for the right, with older claimants having seniority. However, those pre-existing riparian water rights are also recognized by the state.