Overview

In California, issues related to water rights continue to evolve and become more and more important to every aspect of life. White Brenner LLP’s water rights team assists in difficult matters involving water rights, supply, use, distribution and policy. Our attorneys represent clients of all ranges, from small homestead owners, to cities and water districts and large companies, in matters involving riparian, appropriative and overlying water rights.

Our attorneys have represented clients before state and federal water resources agencies, state and federal environmental regulators, and other governmental agencies. We have a strong reputation and bring excellent working relationships with state and federal agencies to the table. Although we emphasize communication and negotiation in resolving conflicts, litigation and water rights adjudications are sometimes the only practical means of protecting our clients’ interests.

We have represented clients in proceedings before the State Water Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards, in matters involving conflicts between junior and senior water users, conversion of minimum stream flows to in-stream water rights, transfers and sales of existing water rights, and conflicts between hydroelectric power use and municipal water use.

The long-term viability of the clients we serve is paramount to us. Accordingly, we help clients develop long-range management plans to ensure that they have the water needed to remain viable and that they meet obligations under state and federal laws, including the California Water Code, the Clean Water Act, state and federal endangered species laws and the Warren Act. Such efforts include water transfers, acquiring and protecting water rights, and regional planning. In addition, water users in California face challenges beyond the acquisition of water rights, such as meeting the demands of constantly changing environmental regulations. White Brenner LLP is ready to assist small and large water users and landowners in order to meet these permitting and regulatory challenges.