Water Law

California water law is a notoriously complex mix of state and federal regulations. PKW Law takes a multi-faceted, collaborative approach, engaging with decision-makers at the ground level to drive real change. Our work spans all aspects of water law, from acquiring water rights to protecting those that are in place to challenging new regulations in the higher courts. 

We’ve developed deep relationships with regulatory agencies — such as the State Water Resources Control Board, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission — that benefit our clients’ efforts in these unique cases. Our nuanced understanding of these laws opens new opportunities and points of negotiation for the public and private entities we serve.

Our water law services include:


  • Acquiring, developing, and perfecting rights

  • Amending existing rights

  • Protecting water rights from regulation, conversion, forfeiture, and third-party appropriation

  • Application and administration of the Clean Water Act and the Porter-Cologne Act