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Simple English definitions for legal terms
waterway
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A quick definition of waterway:
A waterway is a body of water that flows in a channel with banks and a bed. It can be a river, creek, spring, lake, or marsh. Once water joins a waterway, it becomes subject to state control and can be used for private purposes according to state law. There are different types of watercourses, including ancient, artificial, and natural. An ancient watercourse is a channel that has existed from time immemorial, while an artificial watercourse is man-made and usually temporary. A natural watercourse has its origin in the forces of nature and does not include surface water or artificial ditches or canals.
A more thorough explanation:
A waterway is a body of water that flows in a defined channel with banks and a bed. It can be a natural or man-made body of water, including rivers, creeks, springs, lakes, and marshes. Once water joins a watercourse, it becomes subject to state control and can be used for private purposes according to state law.
- Natural watercourse: A river that flows from its source in the mountains to the sea is a natural watercourse.
- Artificial watercourse: A canal that is built to transport water for irrigation is an artificial watercourse.
- Ancient watercourse: A stream that has existed from time immemorial is an ancient watercourse.
The examples illustrate that a waterway can be natural or man-made, permanent or temporary, and can have different characteristics and incidents depending on its origin and use. A natural watercourse is distinguished from an artificial ditch or canal, which is typically not the subject of riparian rights.