Free Webinar Apr 13, 2023
Clean Water, Complicated Laws
2023 Water Quality Webinar Series
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.
Legal Alerts Mar 15, 2023
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Proposes New Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Six Forever Chemicals
Regulation Would Apply to PFOA, PFOS, GenX, PFBS, PFHxS, and PFNA
Authored Articles & Publications Feb 15, 2023
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in January Issue
BB&K In the News Feb 07, 2023
Managing Partner Eric Garner Quoted in The Daily Journal
Article Discusses Dueling Water Sharing Proposals
Authored Articles & Publications Jan 15, 2023
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in December Issue
Press Releases Jan 12, 2023
BB&K Partners Selected to 2023 Southern California Super Lawyers List
Press Releases Jan 03, 2023
Best Best & Krieger Promotes Five Attorneys to Partner
2023 Promotions and Re-elections to the Executive Committee
BB&K In the News Dec 22, 2022
Managing Partner Eric Garner Quoted in & The West
Press Releases Dec 19, 2022
Best Best & Krieger Offers Arthur L. Littleworth Diversity Scholarship in Partnership with ACWA
Applications due March 1
Authored Articles & Publications Dec 15, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in November Issue
BB&K In the News Dec 08, 2022
Partner Lowry Crook Quoted in E&E News
Article Addresses Water Projects Legislation
Legal Alerts Dec 02, 2022
CEQA Document Filing Fees Increase for 2023
Authored Articles & Publications Nov 21, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in October Issue
BB&K Event Oct 19, 2022
2022 IMLA Annual Conference
BB&K Attorneys to Present on Tribal Law, E-discovery, Environmental Law, Telecommunications, Federal Government and More
Legal Alerts Sep 30, 2022
Governor Vetoes SB 222, Water Rate Assistance Program Legislation
Bill Would Have Created a Statewide Water Rate Assistance Program Under Which Local Water Suppliers Would Have Provided Assistance to Eligible Customers
Free Webinar Sep 20, 2022
EPA’s Proposed PFOA & PFOS Designation Under CERCLA: BB&K’s Primer on the Need-to-Know
BB&K Free Webinar
Authored Articles & Publications Sep 15, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in August Issue
Legal Alerts Aug 29, 2022
EPA Releases Proposed Rule Designating PFOA and PFOS as Hazardous Substances Under CERCLA
Municipalities and Special Districts Could Face Liability As a Result
Press Releases Aug 18, 2022
38 BB&K Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers for 2023
Three Attorneys Awarded a “Lawyer of the Year” Designation
Authored Articles & Publications Aug 16, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in July Issue
BB&K In the News Aug 16, 2022
Managing Partner Eric Garner Discusses New Opportunities in Water Law With Daily Journal
Addresses Skills and Traits Needed for Up-and-Coming Water Attorneys
Authored Articles & Publications Jul 18, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in June Issue
Legal Alerts Jul 05, 2022
U.S. Supreme Court Limits EPA’s Climate Change Authority Under the Clean Air Act
The Court’s Decision in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency Opens the Door For Courts to Reconsider and Potentially Erode Chevron Deference
Authored Articles & Publications Jun 24, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in May Issue
Legal Alerts Jun 17, 2022
Environmental Protection Agency Issues New Drinking Water Health Advisories
Advisories Apply to PFOA, PFOS, GenX and PFBS
Legal Alerts Jun 08, 2022
Court Rules Controversial Minimum Ratio Groundwater Pumping Rate Mandate Violates Proposition 26
Court of Appeal Strikes Down Minimum 3:1 Ratio Statute for Failure to Comply with Proposition 26 and Provides Guidance on Standard of Review
Legal Alerts May 26, 2022
Failure To Pay Under Protest Prevents Ratepayer From Challenging Garbage Collection Charges
Padilla v. San Jose Decision Sheds Light on How Cities Can Obtain Health and Safety Code Protections for Water, Sewer, Stormwater and Solid Waste Fees
Legal Alerts May 26, 2022
State Water Resources Control Board Adopts Emergency Drought Regulation
Ramifications for Urban Water Suppliers and Non-Functional Turf
Authored Articles & Publications May 17, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in April Issue
Press Releases May 16, 2022
Best Best & Krieger Announces Inaugural Arthur L. Littleworth Diversity Scholarship Recipient
Scholarship Presented to Saugus High School Senior at Association of California Water Agencies Spring Conference
Event May 04, 2022
2022 ACWA Spring Conference and Exhibition
BB&K Attorneys to Address Drought Management, Rate Setting and Federal Funding
Legal Alerts Apr 25, 2022
White House Council on Environmental Quality Finalizes First Phase of NEPA Regulation Revisions
What Changed, What Matters for Local Governments and What’s Next
Legal Alerts Apr 19, 2022
New Guidance on Buy America Requirements for Federally Funded Infrastructure Projects
Federal Agencies Must Ensure Applicable Programs Comply By May 14
Authored Articles & Publications Apr 15, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in March Issue
Legal Alerts Mar 31, 2022
California Issues New Drought Executive Order
Potential Ramifications for Urban Water Suppliers and Well-Permitting Entities
Legal Alerts Mar 25, 2022
Attention, Public Agencies! Annual Report Deadline is Approaching
Public Agencies Should Immediately Review Continuing Disclosure Agreements for Any Publicly Offered Municipal Securities
BB&K In the News Mar 18, 2022
BB&K’s Sarah Foley and Family Featured in The Houston Lawyer
“Law in the Family” Profile Ran in January/February Issue
BB&K In the News Mar 18, 2022
Partner Lowry Crook Discusses Sea-Level Rise with E&E News
Article Addresses Questions Surrounding Federal Coastal Strategy
Authored Articles & Publications Mar 16, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in February Issue
Press Releases Feb 23, 2022
Best Best & Krieger Launches Arthur L. Littleworth Diversity Scholarship in Conjunction with ACWA
Applications Due March 15
Authored Articles & Publications Feb 16, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in January Issue
Legal Alerts Feb 10, 2022
In With the New – Part Four
BB&K's New Law Guidance for a Happy New Year
BB&K In the News Feb 05, 2022
BB&K Attorney Featured in Year-End Hobbies Article
Daily Journal Article Highlights Anne Branham’s Reading Goals and Achievements
BB&K In the News Feb 01, 2022
Eric Garner and John Brown Publish Art Littleworth Tribute
Tribute Runs as Riverside Lawyer Magazine Cover Story
Authored Articles & Publications Jan 19, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in December Issue
Client Successes Jan 07, 2022
BB&K Earns Key ARPA Rule Provisions for Municipalities Nationwide
Telecommunications Team Successfully Advocates for Expanded Use of Funds
Legal Alerts Jan 07, 2022
U.S. Treasury Releases Final Rule on ARPA Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Final Rule, Considered Victory for Local Governments, Takes Effect in April 2022
Press Releases Jan 06, 2022
Best Best & Krieger Promotes Six Attorneys to Partner
Additional 2022 Leadership Updates Involving Managing Partner and Executive Committee
Authored Articles & Publications Dec 27, 2021
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in November Issue
Legal Alerts Dec 02, 2021
CEQA Document Filing Fees Increase for 2022
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Announces Annual Adjustments
Press Releases Nov 24, 2021
Partner Paula de Sousa a San Diego Leaders in Law Finalist
San Diego Business Journal Recognizes Leading Special Districts Attorney
Authored Articles & Publications Nov 16, 2021
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in October Issue
Legal Alerts Nov 16, 2021
Monumental $1.2 Trillion Bill Passed to Revitalize the Nation’s Infrastructure
Highlights of the Bill President Biden Signed Into Law on Nov. 15
Press Releases Nov 04, 2021
BB&K’s 2022 Best Law Firms Rankings Include New National Tier 1 Recognition
Numerous Other Gains in 12th Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® Rankings
Authored Articles & Publications Oct 28, 2021
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Investigations and Clean Water Act Rulings in August/September Issue
Press Releases Oct 20, 2021
BB&K Pays Tribute to the Late Arthur Littleworth, Former Senior Partner
Firm Honors Littleworth’s Distinguished Character, Trailblazing Water Practice and Rich Legacy
Legal Alerts Oct 19, 2021
Department of Water Resources Invites Water Use Efficiency Standards Feedback
DWR Water Use Efficiency Branch to Host Three Informational Meetings and Solicit Feedback
Legal Alerts Oct 01, 2021
California’s Moratorium on Water Shut-Offs Extended and Expanded
SB 155 Took Effect Immediately
Legal Alerts Sep 23, 2021
120-Day Statute of Limitations for New or Increased California Water and Sewer Rates
SB 323 Signed Into Law and Effective Jan. 1
Legal Alerts Sep 17, 2021
EPA Withdraws Trump-era Guidance on When Groundwater Releases Require Clean Water Act Permits
Withdrawal expands “functional equivalent” test for discharges that the Supreme Court established in County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund
Free Webinar Sep 14, 2021
American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds: Key Implementation, Compliance and Reporting Guidelines
BB&K Free Webinar
Press Releases Sep 10, 2021
Christopher Pisano Named 2021 Legal Visionary
L.A. Times Business of Law Publication Recognizes Work of BB&K Litigator
Legal Alerts Sep 07, 2021
EPA, Army Corps to Apply Pre-2015 Standard for Clean Water Act Jurisdiction
Announcement Follows Federal District Court Decision Vacating Trump Administration Waters of the United States Rule
Event Aug 31, 2021
Developments in Prop. 218 and Community Water System Funding
2021 California Special Districts Association Annual Conference and Exhibitor Showcase
Press Releases Aug 19, 2021
32 BB&K Attorneys Recognized on The Best Lawyers in America List for 2022
3 Named “Lawyer of the Year” and 4 Included on “Ones to Watch” List
Legal Alerts Aug 17, 2021
California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program Details: Arrearage Funding Program Survey Is Now Open
Survey is Required to be Eligible for Funding; Workshop Taking Place August 19
Authored Articles & Publications Aug 06, 2021
Water Rights Law for Real Property Owners
In a LexisNexis Practical Guidance, BB&K Managing Partner Eric Garner and Attorney Maya Mouawad Discuss Key Considerations in Analyzing Water Rights
Authored Articles & Publications Jul 20, 2021
ARPA Guidance for Municipalities
Six Main Categories for Recipients, Writes Attorneys Ana Schwab, Andre Monette and Gerard Lavery Lederer in PublicCEO
Legal Alerts Jul 19, 2021
Court Allows Trump Administration Waters of the U.S. Rule to Remain
Rule to Remain While EPA and Army Corps Work on Rulemakings to Revoke and Replace
Legal Alerts Jun 24, 2021
EPA Publishes Instructions for Water Utilities to Obtain Chemicals in Short Supply
Water Agencies Can Obtain Priority to Chlorine and Other Chemicals
Free Webinar Jun 23, 2021
Now That You Have ARPA Funds – What’s Next?
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Jun 18, 2021
Treasury Releases ARPA State and Local Recovery Funding Compliance and Reporting Requirements/Deadlines
Guidance Includes Four Key Principles to Know
Legal Alerts Jun 10, 2021
EPA and Army Corps to Propose Repealing and Replacing the Navigable Waters Protection Rule
Legal Filing Asks Court to Remand 2020 Rule Narrowing Scope of Clean Water Act
BB&K In the News Jun 02, 2021
Partner Lowry Crook Discusses Army Corps with E&E News
White House Proposed Budget Impacts Army Corps Work
Press Releases May 20, 2021
Sonia Carvalho Named a Top Woman Lawyer 2021
Daily Journal Includes Municipal Law Partner on its Annual List
Legal Alerts May 10, 2021
U.S. Treasury Releases Guidance on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Six Ways the Funds Can be Used
Client Successes Apr 21, 2021
Citing Potential Water Waste, Court Sides with California Dam Operators
Federal Court Denies Injunction
Press Releases Apr 21, 2021
Shawn Hagerty Named a San Diego Best Attorney 2021
Annual San Diego Metro Magazine List Includes BB&K Partner
BB&K In the News Apr 20, 2021
Legal Analysis Reports Following Groundwater Pumping Decision
Daily Journal and Law360 Go In-Depth on BB&K Antelope Valley Groundwater Adjudication Success
Event Apr 19, 2021
Water, Cable Franchising and Federal Communications Updates
International Municipal Lawyers Association 2021 Mid-Year Seminar
Legal Alerts Mar 25, 2021
Appellate Decisions Limiting Groundwater Pumping in an Overdrafted Basin
Antelope Valley Groundwater Basin Adjudication
Client Successes Mar 17, 2021
BB&K Secures Key Groundwater Pumping Rights Ruling
Decision in Antelope Valley Groundwater Basin Adjudication First of its Kind
Legal Alerts Mar 11, 2021
COVID-19 Relief Package Provides Substantial Aid to States, Counties and Cities
$1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Federal Relief Package – American Rescue Plan Act
Legal Alerts Jan 06, 2021
Housing and Environmental New Laws
Part 2: New Laws Impacting California Public Agencies for 2021
Legal Alerts Dec 10, 2020
EPA Issues Guidance on Groundwater Releases in Wake of Maui v. Hawai’i Wildlife Fund
Clarity Provided for New “Functional Equivalent” Test
BB&K Event Nov 09, 2020
AEP 2020 Virtual Conference
Association of Environmental Professionals
Press Releases Nov 05, 2020
BB&K’s 2021 Best Law Firms Rankings Include New Tier 1 Recognitions
Annual U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers List
Event Oct 20, 2020
Navigating SGMA Groundwater Allocations & Minimizing Legal Risk
Environmental Defense Fund
Authored Articles & Publications Oct 13, 2020
SGMA and Water Rights: Avoiding Litigation Risks
BB&K’s Eric Garner Co-Authors Law Journal Article and Presents Webinar
Press Releases Oct 08, 2020
Public Finance Partner Lutfi Kharuf Recognized As One of San Diego’s 40 Under 40
SD Metro Magazine Honors Young Professionals
Client Successes Sep 22, 2020
Nevada Water Rights Victory
BB&K Attorney Rod Walston Successful in Public Trust Doctrine Dispute in Nevada Supreme Court
BB&K Webinar Sep 17, 2020
Financing Options and Strategies for Groundwater Sustainability Plan Development
BB&K Free Webinar
Press Releases Sep 11, 2020
BB&K Attorney Nicholaus Norvell Named a Top 40 Under 40 in San Diego
San Diego Daily Transcript Recognizes Young Professionals
Legal Alerts Sep 10, 2020
Critical Habitat Designation Regulation Change Proposed
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Proposes New Rule Regarding Exclusion of Lands from Critical Habitat for Federally Listed Species
Legal Alerts Sep 08, 2020
DWR Releases Draft Guidebook for 2020 Urban Water Management Plans
Stakeholders Have Until Sept. 21 to Review and Comment
Legal Alerts Sep 01, 2020
California Supreme Court Clarifies Ministerial vs. Discretionary Actions Under CEQA for Well Construction Permits
Decision in Protecting Our Water and Environmental Resources v. County of Stanislaus Case
Press Releases Aug 20, 2020
36 BB&K Attorneys Recognized on The Best Lawyers in America List for 2021
Three Named “Lawyers of the Year” and One Included on “Ones to Watch” List
Legal Alerts Jun 05, 2020
EPA Issues Final Rule to Narrow Scope and Timelines for State Water Quality Certifications
Changes to Clean Water Act Section 401 Certifications
BB&K In the News May 21, 2020
BB&K Partner Arthur Littleworth Profiled in TV Documentary
Water Attorney Who Helped Riverside School Desegregation Featured in “A Good Life”
Key Contacts
Related Services
- California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
- California Public Utilities Commission
- Endangered Species
- Energy
- Environmental Law & Natural Resources
- Environmental Litigation
- Fees, Taxes & Assessments
- Government Affairs
- Hazardous Waste
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Ports
- Public Finance
- Public Infrastructure
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Renewable Energy
- Water Quality
- Water Rights