Topic outline

  • Water Law in the United States: Rights, Regulation, and Reform

    Credits: 2 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course explores water law in the United States. It focuses on the rules, regulations, and reforms that shape water rights and usage. Students will learn about riparian and prior appropriation doctrines, as well as the difference between groundwater and surface water. 

    The course explains how control is divided between state and federal authorities. It also covers key environmental laws like the Clean Water Act. Topics include how water rights are decided, how drought and climate change are affecting water use, and how water markets and trading systems are developing. Historical context and current challenges are both addressed.

    Topics:

    Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

    • Distinguish between riparian and prior appropriation water rights and their geographic application.
    • Analyze the legal treatment of groundwater versus surface water in U.S. jurisdictions.
    • Interpret federal and state roles in water regulation, including overlapping authorities.
    • Evaluate key provisions and case law related to the Clean Water Act.
    • Explain procedures and implications of water rights adjudication.
    • Assess the legal and policy responses to drought and climate change impacts.
    • Describe mechanisms, benefits, and legal constraints of water markets and trading.

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.

    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

    We operate on a trust-based model. You are welcome to complete Steps 1 through 3 to fully review the course material at your leisure. 

    When you are ready to download and print your Certificate of Completion, we ask that payment has been completed for either the Unlimited Plan or individual PDH credit(s). Clicking the download button below serves as your digital confirmation that payment has been made.

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    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for civil and environmental engineers, hydrologists, and land surveyors. The course emphasizes legal principles relevant to infrastructure development, resource planning, and regulatory compliance. 
    Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware

    Jeelan Moghraby, PhD

    • Topic 1