Riparian Rights

Water Laws and Riparian Rights

Do you live on a lake? Does your property border or intersect a creek, stream or river? Riparian rights are those rights homeowners have to the land and banks bordered by bodies of water. In Michigan, we’re very fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful lakes and streams, but, at times, these borders can lead to disagreements. If you are involved in a dispute over water access, it’s important to seek professional assistance.

These laws vary by state, so you should work with a local attorney who understands Michigan laws governing waterways and common uses. At Dingeman & Dancer, PLC, we take pride in knowing Michigan waterways and water rights laws inside and out. If you need help resolving a water rights dispute or planning how to use your property, choose Dingeman & Dancer, PLC.

Understanding Riparian Rights or Water Rights Laws in Michigan

The State of Michigan provides the following definition for riparian rights: “rights associated with the ownership of the bank or shore of an inland lake or stream.” Riparian rights refer to the rights that come with owning the bank or shore of an inland lake or stream. While Michigan’s riparian rights laws continue to evolve, property owners should understand how these laws apply to their land.

If your property includes the bank or shore of a stream or inland lake, you hold the following basic water rights:

• Access to the water in the stream or inland lake
• Freedom to install a dock on the bank or shore and anchor it to the bottomland
• Authority to anchor a boat to the underwater bottomland and secure it to the dock
• Use of the water from the stream or lake for domestic purposes only
• Ownership of the gradual buildup of organic material—such as sand or silt—along your bank or shoreline, known as the right of accretions

Do you own property that borders the Great Lakes? In 2005, the Supreme Court ruled that public beach walkers may walk along privately owned Great Lakes beaches, as long as they stay below the “ordinary high-water mark.” However, on inland lakes, anyone walking on riparian-owned banks and shores commits trespassing.

Riparian Rights Attorneys in Michigan

At Dingeman & Dancer, PLC, our riparian rights attorneys bring extensive experience in all areas of real estate law, including water rights law. Attorneys without in-depth knowledge of local (state) laws and the specific terrain often struggle with riparian rights cases. That’s why you can rely on our firm for trusted, local legal counsel and strong litigation support.

From dock disputes and fishing rights to issues concerning public access, we will help you to understand your riparian rights and guide you step-by-step through the process of protecting them.

Do you have property bordered by the Great Lakes? When it comes to public beach walkers, the Supreme Court ruled in 2005 that they have a right to walk along privately-owned Great Lakes beaches as long as they do not cross the “ordinary high-water mark.”