Water

Water is a vital resource, and access to safe and reliable water is fundamental to society. As a result, its use, supply, quality and management are all highly regulated. The laws are complicated and compliance is complex.
 
BB&K is uniquely positioned to help our public and private clients navigate this challenging landscape. BB&K is recognized as a California Powerhouse for our water-related work, and our Environmental Law & Natural Resource practice is among the leading in the nation. Our lawyers have counseled clients on building, operating and maintaining water supply systems for more than a century, offering integrated, coordinated, cross-disciplinary knowledge and experience to address and effectively resolve all water-related issues and concerns.
 
We literally wrote the book on California water law, an authoritative treatise that addresses the many complicated issues that arise regarding water rights, supply and quality. Our water law lawyers have played an integral role in advocating and helping to develop water-related policies and regulations.
 
On the Cutting Edge of Water Law
Always on the cutting edge when it comes to water issues, laws and regulations, we helped shape the grant and loan distribution guidelines of California’s Proposition 1, which authorized issuance of more than $11 billion in bonds to overhaul California’s water system. We were involved in drafting other water legislation, including the California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and one of our lawyers was selected by the United States Supreme Court to serve as Special Master of a large water rights dispute between two states. Through these various endeavors, we have gained extensive experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the rules and their application, making BB&K the go-to firm on water issues.
 
Comprehensive Service
From environmental concerns to water rights, water quality, wastewater recycling, sewage treatment, stormwater and solid waste management systems to infrastructure development, construction and finance, BB&K lawyers are experienced in addressing the issues that water projects implicate. We advise cities, counties, water districts, public agencies and private clients, devising innovative and cost-effective solutions that assure compliance with all legal requirements and regulatory restrictions.

Our lawyers often team with engineers, environmental consultants and architects to offer guidance and develop the best possible solutions for our clients. Additionally, we assist clients with:

• Permitting, approvals, land use, zoning and siting issues
• Treatment, storage and distribution of water resources
• Remediation and restoration
• Wetlands
• Compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Clean Water Act, California’s Porter-Cologne Water Quality Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and all other applicable environmental laws, including California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, and the Endangered Species Act

BB&K maintains an extensive Environmental Litigation practice that engages nearly a quarter of the firm’s lawyers and utilizes the firm’s knowledge and experience to effectively resolve issues before regulatory bodies and in courts at all levels.