The definition of beneficial use of water has expanded in recent years to include environmental dust control and snowmaking, among others. An appropriator may remove the water from its source and put it to beneficial use at any location. In contrast to riparian water rights, there is no geographical limitation as to place of use. Concomitantly, the ownership of land bordering a watercourse carries with it no right to the use of the water in the absence of an appropriation. Many state laws provide the appropriator with a private right of condemnation to secure an easement between the source of the water and the place of use.
Some western states recognize both absolute and conditional water rights.
Where an appropriation has been completed by diversion and beneficial use of the water by the time the water right is adjudicated or a permit is issued, the water right is described as absolute, or completed. An appropriator may, however, obtain a conditional water right before the water has actually been used. This is useful primarily where large water projects are involved, the construction of which will take some time to complete. The appropriator may obtain a decree or permit to protect his priority before completing the appropriation in order to assure that water which was available in priority at the time the project was initiated will still be available after its completion. When a firm intent to appropriate certain water is established and certain acts in furtherance of the project are undertaken, a conditional water right may be recognized, with a priority date as of the date the first step in the project was initiated.