Civil Code, Article 514 — Abandoned Artificial Waters Become Public

What this article means

If the owner of artificially raised water abandons it to its natural course, the water becomes of public dominion and stops being his.

“Abandons them to their natural course” describes an owner choosing to stop directing or controlling water that had been artificially raised, letting it flow the way it would have without human intervention. That act of relinquishment, rather than mere non-use, is what triggers the change in status here. Once abandoned, the water is no longer treated as the product of the owner’s effort and reverts to public dominion, becoming available for others to use under the ordinary rules that govern waters already belonging to the public.

Questions about this provision

• If I abandon the water I artificially brought to the surface and let it flow freely, does it become public water?

Related provisions

• Article 513 — Waters Artificially Brought Forth.
• Article 515 — Duty To Maintain Defensive Works.

Cases interpreting this article

• Authorities on this article will be added here as each is verified against primary sources.