What defines water rights?

Water rights primarily concern the rights to use bodies of water that are adjacent to or situated on a property. In the context of property law, these rights allow landowners to utilize water from rivers, lakes, and streams, and they may include considerations such as the right to divert water for irrigation or domestic use. This definition encompasses both the legal and practical implications of water access and usage, emphasizing the significance of the relationship between land ownership and the adjacent water source.

The other options fall short of capturing the complete essence of water rights. While ownership of the land surrounding water is related to water rights, it does not inherently grant rights to the water itself, which is a central aspect of water rights. The exclusive rights to sell aquatic resources focus on commercial aspects, which may not encompass the broader understanding of usage rights. Taxing authority over water assets pertains to governmental regulation rather than the fundamental definition of water rights as it relates to individual or property rights.