Water rights are a critical aspect of reservoir management, as they determine who has the legal entitlement to use water from a reservoir and for what purpose. These rights are typically established through permits, licenses, or agreements with relevant authorities. Reservoir operators must adhere to these water rights to allocate and distribute water for various purposes, such as drinking water, irrigation, industry, and environmental preservation.
The priority and volume of water allocated to each water right holder are crucial factors in managing a reservoir's water supply. Ensuring that water rights are respected and fairly allocated is essential for preventing conflicts and maintaining a reliable and equitable distribution of water resources from the reservoir.