What should Richard be informed about his water rights when selling his lakefront house?

When Richard sells his lakefront house, it is crucial for him to understand that his right to use the lake typically transfers with the property. This means that any water rights associated with his lakefront property are inherently linked to the land itself. When he sells the house, the new owner will also acquire those rights as part of the property transaction.

This principle is rooted in the doctrine of "appurtenant" water rights, which state that such rights are tied to the ownership of land. Therefore, when the property is conveyed to another party, the water rights associated with it are also passed on. This ensures that the new owner has the ability to use the lake in the same manner that Richard did.

Other options do not align with standard water rights principles in Arizona. For instance, retaining rights to the lake after selling the property is generally not possible under these laws, nor does non-use grant permanent rights. The assertion that he could reclaim rights after ten years lacks legal basis in the context of property and water rights transfer. Understanding this transfer of rights is crucial for both sellers and buyers in real estate transactions involving water access.