What right does a property owner have concerning the water next to their property?

A property owner holds specific rights concerning the water adjacent to their property, primarily revolving around the reasonable use of that water. The correct answer pertains to the right to use the water but not alter its natural flow. This means that while the property owner can utilize the water for purposes such as irrigation, domestic use, or other lawful activities, they cannot divert or diminish the flow in a way that negatively impacts other users or the ecosystem.

This principle is grounded in the doctrine of riparian rights, which governs the allocation and use of water for properties that are adjacent to a body of water. Under this doctrine, property owners have the right to access and use the water, but they must do so without causing harm to other landowners or the watercourse itself. This framework encourages responsible stewardship of water resources, ensuring fairness and availability for all users.

The other choices do not align with established property and water rights regulations. Selling water to investors often involves legal frameworks and entitlements that exceed mere ownership rights. Draining adjacent wetlands and restricting public access to water would typically violate environmental protections and public trust doctrines, which serve to safeguard natural resources for community use and ecological health.