prior appropriation rights
Defined in 1 dictionary — Case Law
Definitions from Case Law
From 230 U.S. 46 - Arizona Copper Company v. William Allen Gillespie · 1913Most cited · 84 citing opinions
The only subordination of one water user to another is the right of the first appropriator to a sufficiency of water for his necessary uses. That includes the quality as well as the quantity. What deterioration in the quality of the water will constitute an invasion of the rights of the lower appropriator will depend upon the facts and circumstances of each case, with reference to the use to which the water is applied.