Our firm represents water right holders across large portions of the Sacramento Valley, Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta, and San Joaquin Valley. Our clients are public agencies, mutual water companies, and private individuals who divert under pre–1914 water rights, appropriative water rights, riparian rights, settlement contracts with State and Federal Agencies, and Central Valley Project water contractors. We also advise clients on matters relating to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and represent a number of Groundwater Sustainability Agencies currently implementing the Act. Our attorneys are uniquely skilled in helping our clients to understand, exercise, and defend their water rights.
Representative Matters:
Represent senior Feather River water right holders in full suite of proceedings before the State Water Resources Control Board. Tasks include participating in Water Fix (Delta Tunnels) proceedings, including cross – examination of witnesses and submittal of direct testimony in proceeding.
Represent senior San Joaquin River water rights holders in the continued implementation of Purchase and Exchange contracts entered into with the United States of America. Tasks include litigation before Federal Court of Claims defending priority entitlement to San Joaquin River; and litigation before California Superior Court challenging adequacy of environmental review of project affecting the San Joaquin River.
Represent Mutual Water Company in inverse condemnation and deprivation of constitutional rights claim against State of California relating to drought curtailment Order and Notice issued by State Water Resources Control Board.
Conduct water right due diligence review prior to acquisition of multi – thousand acre agricultural parcel in northern Sacramento Valley. Resulting analysis advised potential purchasers of strength and reliability of water rights and advised of potential risks relating to future regulatory proceedings.