Water Rights Attorney Serving the Permian Basin

The control, use, and ownership of water as a resource is tightly regulated across the board; the rules governing these water rights vary across towns, counties, and states. Landowners, developers, businesses, and government entities might occasionally want to make changes to their properties that will impact water use. This is where a water rights attorney comes in handy. A water rights attorney’s job is to keep track of the relevant laws governing the use of water in a specific area and to advise their clients accordingly. 

Water laws can be complex and usually relate to the right to use water or restrictions on pollutants in water. If you need a water rights attorney, choosing an experienced firm is paramount. 

Why Might You Need a Water Rights Attorney?

Water rights attorneys can serve many functions. They may handle application and permit processes relating to salt or freshwater use; they might also pursue litigation if the water supply on your property is not up to code. They can draw up well agreements, help regulate underground water storage setups, and help ensure that updates and implementations of new water systems go smoothly. If you are negotiating with another party over water resources, an experienced attorney can help you reach a successful agreement. You will also find a water rights attorney useful if you’re overseeing a land development or water treatment project and need to ensure that your operations are compliant with state and federal law. 

Water rights law can be divided into two areas: restrictions on pollution and rights to use water. Each area of water rights law involves different areas of expertise: water use law deals with property rights and requires familiarity with specific regulations as they relate to water use. Water pollution law is incredibly complex and requires intimate knowledge of state and federal regulations, as well as several areas of common law such as nuisance, trespass, and negligence. Some water rights attorneys might also deal in the areas of saltwater disposal or  mineral law . 

What Should You Look For in a Water Rights Attorney?

Because water rights law is complex and covers many areas of legal practice, choosing an experienced and confident legal team is vital to your success. Water law includes areas of common law and regulation that factors in an interlocking network of state and federal statutes and regulations. When searching for a water rights attorney, look for a firm with experience dealing in these matters and, if relevant, has represented clients in court in the past. 

Morgan Leeton, PC is an experienced water rights attorney serving Midland, Odessa, and the rest of the region. Because of the prevalence of oilfields in the area, our firm has plenty of experience when it comes to saltwater disposal, mineral lease royalties, freshwater rights, and more. Contact us today to learn more!