| Abstract: | ABSTRACT: New Hampshire's riparian water law, first modified judicially, has been more drastically changed by recent legislative and administrative action. As it stands, however, the judicially enforced doctrine of reasonable use appears to be utterly inadequate to handle increasing water demands. The protection of the public interest has imposed substantial limitations on the use of riparian water rights, all under the guise of the exercise of the police power, i.e., the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. The efficient use of the state's water resources has been further crippled by the widespread and indiscriminate exercise of eminent domain. As a result, the state is now considering the imposition of a permit system that has the potential to streamline the allocation of water. Such a system should take into consideration the public interest factors that have recently frustrated the exercise of riparian rights and the effective use of the state's water resources. |
