A new map, developed by a collaborative team from the University of Nebraska, depicts the legal water rights systems across the US. This innovative tool shows the variability of surface water and groundwater rights systems, which provide the foundation for water management and policy development.
Understanding these boundaries becomes essential when developing and evaluating policies and practices around water governance, such as water transfers, irrigation limits, interstate water management, and drought adaptation. The map illustrates that western states generally adhere to the prior appropriation system, which prioritizes water rights seniority.
Researchers sourced information from state agency websites, academic publications, statutes, and direct conversations with management professionals across all 50 states. This valuable tool is expected to inform future research and enhance comprehension of how these US water rights systems impact decisions related to drought adaptation and broader water governance strategies.
