Riparian Rights - Kootenai Title

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Riparian rights are the rights of a landowner in and over the bank, bed, shore, and water of a stream or body of water that borders the owner's land.

In Idaho

Important for North Idaho waterfront (Lake Coeur d'Alene, Lake Pend Oreille, and area rivers): Idaho does not recognize a riparian right to divert and use water. Idaho allocates water under the prior-appropriation doctrine, administered by the Idaho Department of Water Resources. Confirm any water rights with IDWR and counsel.

Source: Idaho Dept. of Water Resources — About Water Rights

Related Terms

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Survey

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Reviewed by Kootenai Title & Bonner Title Editorial Team · Last updated June 19, 2026
This definition is educational and not legal advice. See our Editorial Policy.