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Riparian

Pertaining to or situated on or along the bank of a stream or other body of water. Often referred to in the context of cattle grazing and protection of streams for fish and wildlife habitat, and water quality purposes. Riparian rights refers to the entitlement of a land owner to certain uses of water on or bordering the property, including the right to prevent diversion or misuse of upstream waters (generally a matter of state law).

Riparian buffer

A strip of vegetation along the bank of a body of water which slows the rate of flow of runoff from adjoining uplands, causing sediment and other materials to fall out onto the land before the runoff enters and pollutes the body of water.

Riparian rights

The system of water allocation used in the humid eastern portion of the United States. Water may be used only by riparian landowners and it is recognized that all users will experience shortages periodically. In contrast with the prior appropriations system used in the arid West, water is not acquired by use, and access to it cannot be lost by lack of use.

Risk assessment

The qualitative and quantitative evaluation of risks posed to health or the environment that arise from an activity, chemical use, or technology. The process includes describing potential adverse effects, evaluating the magnitude of each risk (e.g., the toxicity of a chemical), estimating potential exposure to the chemical or other hazard, estimating the range of likely effects given the likely exposures, and describing uncertainties.

Rotational (intensive) grazing

Pasturing system that allows short periods of heavy use, followed by a recovery period; it allows the forage to be used more fully and effectively.

Roundup Ready soybeans (RR soybeans)

Genetically engineered glyphosate-tolerant soybeans. Roundup is the trade name for glyphosate, a broad-spectrum herbicide. Farmers planting RR soybeans pay more for the seed, must use certain herbicide application practices, and may not save and use their own seed as part of a pesticide resistance management plan. The benefits include a reduction in the number of herbicide applications, with potential savings in both chemical and labor costs.

Rule of Reasonable Use

Use of water to meet natural wants and a fair share for artificial wants. Following Evans v. Merriweather (4 Ill. 492, 1842) the Court stated, “The property in the water...by virtue of riparian ownership, is in its nature usufructuary, and consists, in general, not so much of the fluid itself, as the advantage of its impetus....There may, and there must be, of that which is common to all, a reasonable use.” The wants of man in regard to water are either natural (are absolutely necessary to be supplied, in order to his existence) or artificial (such only as, by supplying them, his comfort and propriety are increased). After all natural wants along a water course are satisfied, the riparian proprietors may use the remaining water for artificial uses...but no more than their just proportion. Usufructuary rights under the rule of reasonable use in Illinois are property rights to the use of resources, in contrast to proprietary rights, which are rights of ownership. The Water Use Act of 1983 statutorily rejects the absolute ownership doctrine and adopts the rule of reasonable use for groundwater as defined in Evans v. Merriweather. For more discussion, see Groundwater Quantity Issues, 1989, by the Groundwater Quantity Committee of the Illinois State Water Plan Task Force.

Runoff

That part of precipitation which appears in surface waters of either perennial or intermittent form (Chow, 1964). Consists of surface runoff, interflow (subsurface runoff), and baseflow (groundwater runoff).

Runoff, direct

Water that flows over the ground surface or through the ground directly into streams, rivers, and lakes. Runoff is the cause of rill erosion and a source of nonpoint pollution.

Runout

See Water yield

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