Groundwater Law

California groundwater law is rapidly evolving, and PKW Law has been at the forefront of understanding and defining how local agencies sustainably manage this invaluable resource. Our firm worked with the legislative team in the development of the California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, or SGMA, and its deference to local management, which gives us a detailed understanding of the intricacies of the law for our groundwater sustainability agency clients.

Whether representing clients in groundwater adjudications, developing and adopting groundwater sustainability plans, or helping stakeholders interpret regulations, PKW Law is at the leading edge of the developing body of groundwater law.

Our history of Groundwater Law work includes:

  • Collaborating with the California Water Foundation to draft the definitive guide to the development of groundwater sustainability agencies, “Know Your Options: A Guide to Forming Groundwater Sustainability Agencies.”

  • Advising and counseling regarding groundwater rights and groundwater accounting.

  • Representing clients in groundwater adjudications and quiet title actions

  • Guiding the development of groundwater sustainability plans

  • Advising on compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act

  • Defending groundwater sustainability plans challenged in court