What type of water rights do Hal and Sara possess for their irrigation needs?

Hal and Sara possess Prior Appropriation Rights for their irrigation needs because this type of water right operates on the principle of “first in time, first in right.” In states that use this doctrine, individuals or entities can gain the right to use water from a source by demonstrating beneficial use, such as for irrigation, among other uses. This system prioritizes water use based on the historical use, meaning those who utilized the water earlier have a stronger claim to it compared to those who began using it later.

In contrast, Riparian Rights are generally applicable in areas with plentiful water sources and allow landowners whose property is adjacent to a body of water to use that water, but this is not typically how water is allocated for irrigation in the Southwestern United States, including Arizona.

Adverse Possession Rights involve a process by which someone can claim ownership of land they have occupied, which does not pertain directly to water rights for irrigation.

Water Ownership Rights is a more general term that does not specifically define the type of rights Hal and Sara have; it does not indicate how those rights were obtained or their legal standing under the specific laws governing water usage in Arizona.

Therefore, the reference to Prior Appropriation Rights accurately captures the nature of Hal and Sara