What is the significance of the high water mark in relation to property rights?

The significance of the high water mark primarily relates to property rights concerning non-navigable waters, which are bodies of water that do not allow for commercial navigation. In many cases, the high water mark delineates the boundary between private property and the public domain or navigable waters, establishing where ownership rights of landowners concerning the water and the land adjacent to it begin and end.

When water bodies, such as lakes or rivers, are involved, the high water mark is typically where the land meets water at its highest point, which can vary with seasons and weather conditions. This demarcation plays a crucial role in determining which rights and responsibilities the property owner has concerning water use, access, and any activities that may occur on or alongside the water.

Having a clear understanding of the high water mark allows landowners to know their property limits and ensures proper use and maintenance of the land near water bodies. It is essential also for land development and environmental protection, as activities often need to consider the defined boundaries that the high water mark sets.