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By Justin Brewer
Two bordering states, somewhat similarly situated in terms of water abundance, have remarkably different systems by which they allow water to be pumped. Both are considered riparian doctrine states, at least as compared to prior appropriation doctrine states.1 Kentucky, however, is a modified riparian state, with what resembles adaptive governance controlling how water is allocated in most situations. Tennessee is pure riparian, at least at the state level, and leaves the governance of water pumping to the cities. Both face some present drought or emergency conditions. The future clearly implies more strain on either water allocation system due to steady increases in population. Read on.