What rights govern the use of flowing water, such as rivers or streams?

Appropriative rights are based on the principle of "first in time, first in right," allowing individuals to divert water from a source for beneficial use, regardless of land ownership. This system is typically applied in areas where water is scarce and does not apply to flowing water adjacent to property, making it distinct from riparian rights.

Percolating rights pertain to the use of groundwater that seeps underground and is not confined to a defined watercourse. These rights do not apply to surface water bodies like rivers and streams, thus failing to govern the legal use of flowing water, which is the focus of the question.

Littoral rights govern the use of water bodies such as lakes and oceans that are adjacent to a landowner's property. While they involve water rights, they do not pertain to flowing water like rivers or streams, which are specifically managed under riparian rights.