Georgia § 44-8-2 - Nonnavigable streams - Rights of adjoining owners; principles when stream is boundary; accretions.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 44-8-2 — Nonnavigable streams - Rights of adjoining owners; principles when stream is boundary; accretions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 44-8-2. Nonnavigable streams - Rights of adjoining owners; principles when stream is boundary; accretions.
The beds of nonnavigable streams belong to the owner of the adjacent land. If the stream is a dividing line between two parcels of land, each owner's boundary shall extend to the thread or the center of the main current of the water. If the current changes gradually, the boundary line follows the current. If from any cause the stream takes a new channel, the original line, if identifiable, remains the boundary. Gradual accretions of land on either side accrue to the owner of that side. (Orig. Code 1863, § 2207; Code 1868, § 2202; Code 1873, § 2228; Code 1882, § 2228; Civil Code 1895, § 3058; Civil Code 1910, § 3630; Code 1933, § 85-1302.) Cross references. - Jurisdiction of county over stream of water which forms boundary of county, § 36-1-2 . Diversion, obstruction, or pollution of nonnavigable watercourses as constituting trespass, § 51-9-7 . Law reviews. - For article on principles of water law in the southeast, see 13 Mercer L. Rev. 344 (1962).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 44-8-2
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 44-8-2 cover?
Section 44-8-2 ("Nonnavigable streams - Rights of adjoining owners; principles when stream is boundary; accretions.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 44-8-2?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 44-8-2" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 44-8-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
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