This brief essay presents a discussion about water rights in Western United States of America and MacphersonÕs analysis of the meaning of property within the context of water rights. A summary of the basic arguments and key messages within the context of MacphersonÕs analysis of Òthe meaning of property Òwith reference to water is presented in the essay together with a further discussion about how these relate to riparian and prior appropriation water rights. Furthermore, the essay examines two water right systems for illustrations of MacphersonÕs views.