Water Rights & Regulation
Halverson Northwest partners with both private and public sector clients in the acquisition, development and management of water rights. Water users require specialized strategic guidance at a time when water resources have become increasingly scarce and regulatory burdens have multiplied. Among other clients, we represent irrigation districts, canal companies, water user associations, farming and warehouse operations, real estate developers and individuals. Our clients’ success requires both specialized legal expertise and strong working relationships with major water resources stakeholders, including the Washington Department of Ecology, American Indian tribes, municipalities and conservation organizations. Our diverse experience includes:
- Representation of hundreds of clients in the 30+ year Acquavella adjudication of surface water rights in the Yakima River Basin
- Identification, valuation and acquisition of surface and groundwater rights
- Litigation and settlement of water-related disputes among rights holders and landowners
- Administrative applications through Ecology and Water Conservancy Boards to transfer and change water rights to new locations and uses
- Development and use of water banks, trust water rights and similar mechanisms to mitigate for new residential and commercial uses in water-scarce areas