What aspect of water rights is generally controlled by the state under prior appropriation?

Under the principle of prior appropriation, rights to water are generally allocated by the state, particularly concerning surface water and groundwater. This doctrine operates on the basis of "first in time, first in right," meaning that those who first divert water for beneficial use hold superior rights to that water, even if they do not own the land from which it is drawn.

This principle is especially relevant in arid regions where water can be scarce and disputes over water allocation can arise. The state controls these rights to manage the resource effectively and ensure that it is used sustainably for various purposes, including agricultural, industrial, and municipal needs. By controlling water rights, the state can enforce regulations and prioritize usage based on legal allocations rather than ownership of adjacent land.

Other choices do not represent the comprehensive nature of water rights under the prior appropriation framework. Ownership rights of floodwaters are typically governed by different rules. Rights to irrigation for specific crops can be based on appropriation but do not encompass all facets of water rights. Likewise, rights concerning property bordering lakes are often linked to riparian rights, which operate differently than prior appropriation.