The law affecting private water rights in New York State is summarized briefly in the form of a chart. The chart divides the water-affecting law via distinctions concerning the actual nature of the water involved, i.e., water flowing in a defined channel (watercourses - surface and underground streams and lakes) and water not flowing in a defined channel (diffused surface water, percolating underground water). Discussed in a substantial introduction to the chart are the two sources of New York State Water Law, the common law and statutory law; considered also is the limitation of Government removal of water rights for public purposes from private property owners.