• A natural watercourse does not include surface water, which often flows intermittently and in an indefinite channel. In addition, a natural stream is distinguished from an artificial ditch or canal, which is typically not the subject of riparian rights. See RIPARIAN RIGHT; WATER. [Cases: Waters and Water Courses 38. C.J.S. Waters §§ 3–8, 91.]
natural watercourse
A watercourse with its origin in the forces of nature.