What term describes the action of a non-riparian owner taking water from a lake or river with permission from the state?

The term that describes the action of a non-riparian owner taking water from a lake or river with permission from the state is appropriation. Appropriation is a legal concept that allows individuals or entities to divert water for their use, even if they do not own land adjacent to a water source, such as a lake or river. This process is typically regulated by state laws, which often require obtaining permits to ensure sustainable management of water resources.

While expropriation refers to the act of a government taking private property for public use, usually with compensation, it does not specifically deal with water rights or the withdrawal of water from natural sources. Authorization can imply permission granted by authorities but is too broad and not specifically tied to the concept of water rights. Acquisition usually refers to obtaining ownership or rights to property or resources, which does not capture the specific legal nuances of water withdrawal for non-riparian owners. Thus, appropriation is the most accurate term for this scenario.