Which of the following is NOT a principle of the doctrine of prior appropriation?

The doctrine of prior appropriation, which is a fundamental aspect of water law in Arizona and other western states, emphasizes the allocation of water rights based on the order of usage. The principle that the first person to use a source of water has priority is a cornerstone of this doctrine, ensuring that those who historically utilized the water maintain their rights. Additionally, the doctrine supports the idea that water should be used for beneficial purposes, reflecting the belief that efficient and productive use of water serves the broader community's interests.

While recreational uses of water are not outright prohibited under prior appropriation, they are typically not given the same priority as agricultural or municipal needs. However, there is no stipulation within the doctrine that explicitly excludes recreational usage. Thus, the assertion that water may not be used recreationally does not align with established principles.

Diverging from these principles, the idea that water rights are reserved solely for governmental use contradicts the foundations of prior appropriation. Water rights are generally allocated to individuals and private entities based on their historical use of water, rather than being restricted only to governmental purposes. This openness to individual claims and uses captures the essence of prior appropriation laws, making choice D the correct answer, as it does not conform to any of the