BB&K Event Nov 09, 2020
AEP 2020 Virtual Conference
Association of Environmental Professionals
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.
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”
BB&K In the News May 20, 2020
Partner Michael Riddell Discusses Water Rights on Bloomberg Law Podcast
Roundtable Discussion Includes Litigation, SGMA, Conservation and More
BB&K Webinar May 12, 2020
Groundwater Sustainability Plans: What We Now Know and What is Yet to be Learned
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Apr 23, 2020
Supreme Court Decision Creates New Standard for Clean Water Act NPDES Permit
County of Maui v. Hawai’i Wildlife Fund
BB&K Webinar Apr 22, 2020
Stormwater Permitting at Schools and Community Colleges
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Apr 20, 2020
Final Rule Narrowing Clean Water Act Jurisdiction to be Published Tomorrow
EPA and Army Corps of Engineers New “Waters of the U.S.” Definition Takes Effect on June 22*
Legal Alerts Apr 03, 2020
COVID-19: Water Shutoff Moratorium for Homes and Critical Small Businesses
California Governor Restricts Water Supply Discontinuation for Non-Payment
Legal Alerts Mar 10, 2020
The EPA’s National Water Reuse Action Plan
Joint Plan Aims to Meet Rising Water Demands
BB&K Webinar Mar 05, 2020
Using Green Bonds to Help Your Public Agency Further its Public Policy Goals
BB&K Free Webinar
BB&K Webinar Feb 20, 2020
SGMA and Groundwater Rights: To Adjudicate or Not to Adjudicate
BB&K Free Webinar
Authored Articles & Publications Feb 13, 2020
PublicCEO: BB&K Municipal Law Team Discusses New Public Agency Laws - Part 2
Land Use, Telecommunications, Environmental and More
Client Successes Feb 11, 2020
BB&K Team Helps Secure $325 Million in Border Water Projects
USMCA and Federal Funds to Address Pollution Problem
Legal Alerts Feb 06, 2020
PFOA and PFOS Response Levels Lowered for California Drinking Water
New Thresholds Impact Wider Swath of Public Water Suppliers
Event Jan 24, 2020
34th Annual Land Use Law & Planning Conference
UCLA Extension Public Policy Program
Legal Alerts Jan 23, 2020
Final Rule Narrowing Clean Water Act Jurisdiction
EPA and Army Corps of Engineers Give New Waters of the U.S. Definition
Press Releases Jan 17, 2020
BB&K Partner Andre Monette Testifies Before U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on FISH Act
Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Legislative Hearing on H.R. 4723
Press Releases Jan 17, 2020
Southern California Super Lawyers 2020
Nine BB&K Attorneys Earn Recognition
Legal Alerts Jan 13, 2020
New Environmental and Telecommunications Laws
Part 3: California Laws Impacting Public Agencies for 2020
Press Releases Jan 02, 2020
Eight BB&K Attorneys Promoted to Partner
Additional Changes at Firm Reflect Growth, Diversification
Press Releases Dec 17, 2019
Managing Partner Eric Garner Named Environmental Law MVP
Water Law Veteran Honored by Law360
Event Dec 03, 2019
ACWA 2019 Fall Conference & Exhibition
Association of California Water Agencies
Client Successes Nov 18, 2019
BB&K Prevails on Summary Judgment, Ensuring Drinking Water Access to Residents
Attorneys Christopher Deal and Christina Morgan Represented Real Property Buyers
BB&K Webinar Nov 08, 2019
Land Use Planning, Water Supply Planning and SGMA
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Nov 06, 2019
Cities Issuing Business Licenses Will Need to Verify NPDES Permits First
What California Cities Need to Know to Comply with SB 205
Press Releases Nov 01, 2019
BB&K Achieves High Marks in “Best Law Firms” Rankings for 2020
U.S. News-Best Lawyers in America Annual List Recognizes Many of the Firm’s Premier Practice Areas
Legal Alerts Oct 30, 2019
Clean Water Act: 2015 Jurisdiction Rule Repeal Set to Take Effect Dec. 23
WOTUS Definition Court Challenges Continue
BB&K Event Oct 24, 2019
2019 California Rates 101 Workshop
Raftelis Workshop
Legal Alerts Oct 16, 2019
Groundwater Recharge Projects Get Boost Under AB 658
New California Law to Help Achieve SGMA Requirements
![[WEBINAR] Navigating California’s New Regulations for Wetlands and State Waters](/BBK/media/Library/stock-photos/Wetlands-of-Northern-California_t.png?ext=.png)
Videos Oct 10, 2019
[WEBINAR] Navigating California’s New Regulations for Wetlands and State Waters
BB&K Webinar
BB&K Webinar Oct 10, 2019
Navigating California’s New Regulations for Wetlands and State Waters
BB&K Free Webinar
Client Successes Oct 08, 2019
Budget-Based Water Rates Challenge Dismissed
BB&K Successfully Defends Water District
Legal Alerts Sep 03, 2019
California Issues the Nation’s Strictest Notice Levels for PFAS in Drinking Water
New Response Thresholds and Regulations in the Works for Public Water Suppliers
Press Releases Aug 19, 2019
Partner Shawn Hagerty a San Diego Top Attorney
Recognized for Land Use Planning, Water Quality and Municipal Law Work
Press Releases Aug 15, 2019
The Best Lawyers Recognizes 31 BB&K Attorneys on 2020 List
Including Seven Named as “Lawyer of the Year”
Legal Alerts Aug 09, 2019
PFAS Concerns Trigger Regulatory and Legal Responses
Federal and State Governments and Courts Concerned About Toxicity and Water Contamination
Event Jul 25, 2019
SGMA’s Next Phase
Sustainable Groundwater Planning in California
Legal Alerts Jul 24, 2019
Complying with America’s Water Infrastructure Act Requirements
New Risk, Resilience and Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Community Water Systems
Legal Alerts Jul 09, 2019
Irrigation District May Refuse Water Delivery to Rule Violators
Calif. Appellate Court Decision May Also Apply to Other Types of Water Providers
Client Successes Jul 01, 2019
BB&K Contributes to Successful Rate Ordinance Defense
Partner Kelly Salt Represented Public Agencies as Amicus Curiae
Event Jun 20, 2019
2019 California Water Law & Policy MCLE Conference
Argent Communications Group
Legal Alerts Jun 18, 2019
Resolution Adopting New Water Rates Not Subject to Referendum
Calif. Court of Appeal Holds that Referendum Power Not Applicable to Local Water Rate Resolutions
Press Releases Jun 11, 2019
Two BB&K Partners Named Coachella Valley Top Lawyers
Henry Welles and Robert Hargreaves Selected by Palm Springs Life Magazine
Legal Alerts May 02, 2019
SGMA: DWR Announces Draft Basin Prioritization
Comments Accepted Until May 30
Authored Articles & Publications Apr 30, 2019
"California Water," Third Edition
Eric Garner’s Updates to Text on Historical, Legal and Policy Issues Affecting California Water Use
Press Releases Apr 24, 2019
BB&K’s Christi Hogin and Andre Monette Honored for Amicus Work by IMLA
The Attorneys Argued About Short-Term Rentals and the Clean Water Act in the Ninth Circuit
Client Successes Apr 24, 2019
Tribe Lacks Standing in Water Suit
Representing Desert Water Agency, BB&K Attorneys Won Partial Dismissal of Case
Press Releases Apr 10, 2019
Five BB&K Partners Named to 2019 San Diego Super Lawyers List
All Are Returning to the Annual List
Legal Alerts Apr 04, 2019
New Wetlands Protections in California Proposed
SWRCB Votes to Adopt Regulations that Could Impact Permitting Procedures
Event Mar 30, 2019
IMLA 2019 Mid-Year Seminar
International Municipal Lawyers Association
Event Mar 25, 2019
2019 AEP California State Conference
Association of Environmental Professionals
Authored Articles & Publications Feb 28, 2019
Aquifer Management Success
In the Water International Journal, BB&K Managing Partner Eric Garner Identifies Factors for Groundwater Sustainability
Press Releases Feb 22, 2019
Groundwater Rights Trial Earns Top Verdict Honor from Daily Journal
BB&K Leads Water Agencies’ Defense
Legal Alerts Feb 15, 2019
Clean Water Act: Proposed WOTUS Replacement Rule Published in Federal Register
Comments Due by April 15
Event Feb 02, 2019
The Elephant in the Room: Adjudication Under SGMA
15th Annual California Water Law Symposium
Event Jan 18, 2019
33rd Annual Land Use Law and Planning Conference
UCLA Extension Public Policy Program
Legal Alerts Jan 15, 2019
Comprehensive Update to the State CEQA Guidelines
Approved by California Natural Resources Agency
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Legal Alerts Jan 10, 2019
New Year, New Laws Impacting Public Agencies in California – Part II
Housing and Land Use and Environmental Laws Saw Changes in 2019
Legal Alerts Jan 09, 2019
New Year, New Laws Impacting Public Agencies in California – Part I
2019 Brings Changes to Election, Revenue, Conflict of Interest, Property and Public Safety Laws… and More
Press Releases Jan 02, 2019
BB&K Announces Three New Partners
Additional Changes to Leadership Roles
Press Releases Dec 19, 2018
Cities’ Struggles to Meet Obligations Are Real — BB&K Municipal Law Team Grows to Help
New and Expanded Services and More Attorneys and Staff Added in 2018
Press Releases Dec 17, 2018
BB&K Welcomes Water and Environmental Partner Lowry Crook
Served Senior Positions with the Army Corps of Engineers and the White House
Legal Alerts Dec 12, 2018
Proposed Federal Clean Water Rule Impacts Cities and Residents
Comments Being Sought
Client Successes Dec 07, 2018
Water and Wastewater Bond Deal
BB&K Attorneys Served as Bond Counsel
BB&K In the News Dec 04, 2018
Partner Andre Monette Discusses SCOTUS Clean Water Act Question with Law360
Invitation to Solicitor General for Opinion is Encouraging, He Says
Event Nov 27, 2018
ACWA 2018 Fall Conference & Exhibition
Association of California Water Agencies
Press Releases Nov 08, 2018
Russell Behrens, 1936-2018
Press Releases Nov 02, 2018
BB&K Proud to be Among the Best
U.S. News-Best Lawyers 2019 Rankings Released
Press Releases Oct 08, 2018
BB&K’s Environmental Law & Natural Resources Practice Expands
Firm Welcomes Four New Attorneys to Group
Event Oct 08, 2018
IBA Annual Conference 2018
International Bar Association
Legal Alerts Oct 04, 2018
Statutory Authority to Adopt Fees Negates Any Potential State Mandate Funding
California Appellate Court Finds There is No State Mandate When a Public Agency Has The Statutory Authority to Levy Fees
Legal Alerts Oct 03, 2018
New Restrictions on Residential Water Service Discontinuation in California
SB 998 Will Require Written Policies, Detailed Notices and Alternative Payment Options
Client Successes Oct 01, 2018
Groundwater Rights Jury Finds in Favor of Public Water Suppliers
BB&K Team Successfully Defends City in First-of-its-Kind Trial in California
Press Releases Aug 21, 2018
Best Lawyers in America Lists 27 BB&K Attorneys for 2019
Representing a Variety of Practice Areas
Videos Aug 14, 2018
Lauren Langer Video Bio
Partner
Legal Alerts Aug 06, 2018
Groundwater Extraction Permits Not Subject to CEQA in San Luis Obispo County
Approval is a Ministerial Action, not subject to CEQA, Appellate Court Finds
Legal Alerts Jul 26, 2018
Federal Draft Infrastructure Bill Released
Aims to Provide Revenue to Repair Failing Infrastructure
BB&K In the News Jul 20, 2018
Kavanaugh and the Clean Water Act
Partner Andre Monette Interviewed by Bloomberg Environment on SCOTUS Nominee
Event Jun 13, 2018
Water Projects: How to Successfully Navigate a Growing But Complicated Process
American Water Works Association
Event Jun 11, 2018
California Water Law & Policy Conference
Argent Communications Group
Legal Alerts May 31, 2018
Governor Signs Historic Water Use Efficiency Bills
AB 1668 and SB 606 Impose New or Expanded Requirements on California Water Agencies and Suppliers
Press Releases May 17, 2018
BB&K Again a Top San Diego Law Firm
Firm Ranks No. 24 on San Diego Business Journal Annual List
BB&K In the News May 16, 2018
Profile: BB&K CEQA Attorney Amanda Daams
Riverside Lawyer Magazine Features the RCBA Barristers' Past President
Legal Alerts May 14, 2018
Administrative Hearing Office Proposed for State Water Resources Control Board
Proposed Legislation Would Provide for Efficient Hearings by Qualified Officers
Event May 08, 2018
ACWA CLE Workshop & Spring Conference
Association of California Water Agencies
Press Releases May 01, 2018
BB&K Partner Paula de Sousa Mills a San Diego Best Attorney
San Diego Metro Magazine Annual List
Videos Apr 24, 2018
The Price of an Aging Infrastructure on the Environment
The Bill is Due: Now What? Infrastructure, Pensions and the Environment
BB&K Event Apr 24, 2018
The Bill is Due: Now What? Infrastructure, Pensions and the Environment
A BB&K Premier Event
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 Relations
- Hazardous Waste
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Ports
- Public Contracts & Construction
- Public Finance
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Renewable Energy
- Water Quality
- Water Rights