A property abuts a non-navigable stream. What does the property owner own?

When a property abuts a non-navigable stream, the property owner typically owns the land to the middle of the waterway. This principle is based on common law which distinguishes between navigable and non-navigable waters. In the case of non-navigable streams, the property lines extend to the center of the stream, meaning the owner has rights over both the land adjacent to the stream and the underlying land beneath the water itself.

This ownership grants the property owner the rights to use the water for purposes such as fishing or boating, as well as potential responsibilities for the impact of their usage on the waterway. It’s important to note that rights may still be subject to state regulations or restrictions, but fundamentally, ownership in this scenario typically extends to the midpoint of the non-navigable stream.

This understanding is essential for property owners, as it informs their rights and responsibilities concerning the water and land immediately surrounding their property.