Which term refers to the right to access and use bodies of water like ponds and lakes?

The correct term that refers to the right to access and use bodies of water like ponds and lakes is known as littoral rights. These rights pertain specifically to properties that border large bodies of water, such as lakes and seas, allowing the property owner to benefit from these water sources. This includes the rights to use the water for various purposes, such as recreation and fishing, as well as the right to access the shoreline. Littoral rights are an essential aspect of property ownership for land adjacent to navigable waters, emphasizing the privilege to use the water while respecting regulatory frameworks and ecological considerations.

Riparian rights, on the other hand, refer to the rights of landowners whose property borders flowing water, such as rivers and streams. While both riparian and littoral rights deal with water usage, they apply to different types of water bodies. Percolating rights relate to the use of groundwater and the rights associated with natural underground water flow, which does not apply to surface water like ponds and lakes. Mineral rights refer to the ownership and use of minerals found beneath the surface of the land, which is unrelated to water rights. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why littoral rights is the appropriate choice for this context.