What are riparian rights and how do I know if I own them?

Riparian rights are attached to properties that back directly onto a river or similar and include:  

• The right to unpolluted water outside your property;  
• The right to fish in the water outside your property; and  
• The right to access the river frontage belonging to your land.  

It is assumed that you will have riparian rights if you own or lease land or property which borders a watercourse such as the River Wye. You will likely be able to confirm the position in the title deeds or lease if you are not sure.