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Pass California

Ownership and Land Use, 15% of the examination

Accretion

The gradual deposit of soil along a watercourse, adding to the owner's land.

The soil deposited is called alluvion and the riparian owner takes title to it. Avulsion is a sudden change, such as a river jumping its bank in a flood, and it does not move boundaries. Reliction is the gradual withdrawal of water exposing land. Erosion is gradual loss.

See also

Riparian rightsWater-use rights ordinarily accompanying qualifying land bordering a natural lake, river, stream, or creek.

Test the distinction

A relevant question from Ownership and Land Use, selected because its facts or explanation use this concept.

Ownership and Land Use ยท 15%Water Rights

A river gradually deposits soil along an owner's boundary, enlarging the parcel. What is the process and the result?

Written to DRE's published topic list. Not a real examination question, since reproducing those is a misdemeanor under B&P Code section 123.

Primary sources

Use these authorities when a course summary, forum answer, or older flashcard conflicts with the current California rule.

Where this is tested

Property Ownership and Land Use Controls and RegulationsWhat can be owned, how it is held, and what limits its use. Distinguish ownership interests, public and private controls, environmental hazards, and California water-rights rules.15%Practice Ownership and Land Use35 questions on this area, every option explained.Practice

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