Legal Definitions - lake

In a legal context, a lake refers to:

• A substantial body of relatively still water, naturally or artificially contained within a depression in the earth's surface. These bodies of water are typically fed by rainfall, streams, or rivers from a surrounding drainage area.
• Alternatively, it can describe a significantly widened or expanded section of a river where the water flow is considerably slowed, creating characteristics similar to a standing body of water.

Examples:

• Property Boundaries and Natural Lakes: Imagine a property owner whose land extends to the edge of Lake Serenity, a large, natural body of water formed in a glacial basin. The legal definition of "lake" is crucial here because it determines the property lines, riparian rights (rights of landowners whose property borders a body of water), and regulations regarding activities like building docks or drawing water. The lake's status as a "large body of standing water in a depression" means specific laws apply to its use and the adjacent land.

• Water Resources and Artificial Lakes (Reservoirs): The city of Riverbend relies on Willow Creek Reservoir for its drinking water supply. This reservoir was created by damming a river, forming a vast, still body of water that fits the definition of an artificial lake. Legally, this classification allows the city to establish regulations for water quality, public access, and resource management, treating it as a primary water source rather than a flowing river, even though it was originally formed from one.

• Navigable Waters and Riverine Lakes: The Great Bend section of the Columbia River widens dramatically for several miles, creating a broad, deep expanse where the current is barely perceptible, making it suitable for large commercial barges. This particular stretch is legally considered a "lake" in some contexts due to its expanded size and substantially reduced flow, even though it is part of a larger river system. This classification can impact jurisdiction over navigation, environmental regulations, and fishing rights, distinguishing it from narrower, faster-flowing river sections.