Water

Through our representation of cities, water districts, special districts, and private clients in a wide range of water law issues, our attorneys have acquired the specific expertise necessary for creative and effective solutions to water resource management.  We understand our clients’ roles in managing scarce water resources in California, especially as demand for this limited natural resource increases.  Our attorneys stay ahead of the curve as ongoing and new challenges continually evolve, by monitoring quickly changing regulations and laws, as well as through their role in major litigation throughout the State.

We regularly provide timely and up-to-date advice, negotiate supply and transfer agreements, and advocate in complex litigation and before administrative forums to ensure protection of our clients’ needs and interests.  Such representation requires a thorough understanding of the various applicable State, Federal, and administrative law governing all aspects of water use.

EXPERTISE

• Groundwater adjudications (both pre and post Judgment proceedings)
• Groundwater contamination issues
• Groundwater management including the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
• Water rates (including Propositions 218 and 26)
• Water rights acquisition, water leases and transfers
• Project development (including treatment and reclaimed water plants and water availability plans)
• Project finance
• Regulatory compliance (including drought related regulations)
• Urban Water Management Plans
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
• Eminent domain (related to water projects)
• Water quality and NPDES
• Desalination Water Regulations

EXPERTISE IN ACTION

Our water practice group attorneys serve as general counsel or special counsel to water districts, special districts, and private interests in litigation, administrative processes, and project development in matters involved with water rights and supply, water quality, and water and sewer rates.

As city attorneys for various entities throughout California, we advise and advocate for cities in the operation of municipal water systems, development and use of recycled water projects and wastewater treatment plants, acquisition of water rights and defending water rights, and other special projects unique to proper management of water resources.

Our clients benefit from the Firm’s diverse practice areas, including Ethics & Open Government, Environment & Natural Resources, Labor & Employment, Public Finance, Contracts, Bidding, and Public Works, Land Use & Zoning, Property Acquisition & Takings, Legislative Analysis, and Energy and Utilities.