A downstream state's action can affect the upstream state interest only in one case.

Bringing water from other river basins for upstream states use also effects water quality in downstream states.

All the above actions of an upstream state are legal causes of water dispute to the downstream states since their existing interests are affected as given below:

It also alters the ecology of the river located in downstream states affecting its riverine vegetation and aquatic flora & fauna.

Alternatively, downstream state needs to store more flood water in reservoirs to cater to the existing water use.

The downstream state, he said, would have clear economic incentives to do the same.

The exercise of such leverage, according to him, can prompt a downstream state to build up its military capabilities to help counterbalance the riparian disadvantage.

In this scenario, New York City could draw off its full daily amount, and the downstream states could demand the court-imposed maximum release into the river.

The panel's 2-to-1 vote was split along regional lines, with two judges from downstream states favoring the stay and a judge from South Dakota dissenting.

Missouri is the last downstream state on the river and the one with the most people.