Who is defined as a 'Landowner' in water resource terminology?

In water resource terminology, a 'Landowner' is defined as the entity possessing legal title to the surface land. This definition emphasizes ownership and the rights that come with it, including the authority to make decisions about how the land and its resources, such as water, are utilized.

The legal title grants the landowner the ability to access, manage, or alter the land in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This is crucial in discussions regarding water usage and rights, as ownership can directly influence access to and control over water resources that are found on, or under, the land.

The other options outline roles related to land but do not capture the essence of ownership. A governmental authority overseeing land use refers to regulatory roles rather than private ownership; a temporary occupant suggests someone who does not hold title and lacks full ownership rights; and a person managing a lease agreement might have rights to use the land, but they do not possess ownership itself. Thus, understanding the term 'Landowner' in the context of legal title is foundational in water resource management and policy discussions.