NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Exam

The ordinary high water mark is the point that delineates the boundary between navigable non-tidal waters and the bordering uplands in most states. This mark represents the average level of water that is maintained over time and indicates where the water level typically stands at its highest, thereby defining the limit of property rights and usage.

When determining water jurisdiction and ownership rights, the ordinary high water mark is crucial because it is used to establish the legal boundaries of property adjacent to water bodies. This boundary is significant in various contexts, including land development, resource management, and environmental regulation, as it helps clarify the responsibilities and rights of landowners adjacent to water bodies.

Other options, such as the mean high water line, mean low water line, and ordinary low water mark, do not serve the same purpose or are not universally applicable under state laws when it comes to navigable waterways. The ordinary high water mark is consistently recognized as the legal delineation in most jurisdictions, making it the correct choice for this question.