Water Law
The firm has been active in major water rights litigation, and regularly represents clients on water rights acquisition and permitting.
Our Approach
Texas water law exists at the intersection of property rights, environmental regulation, public policy, and infrastructure development. Our attorneys provide practical and strategic advice that reflects not only the legal framework, but also the operational and political realities facing water users and regulators.
We represent clients before state agencies, administrative tribunals, trial courts, and appellate courts throughout Texas. Our experience spans groundwater and surface water rights, permitting and regulatory compliance, utility regulation, water infrastructure development, and contested litigation involving water resources.
Because water issues rarely exist in isolation, our Water Law team collaborates closely with the firm’s environmental, administrative litigation, real estate, land use, oil and gas, and commercial litigation attorneys to provide integrated solutions tailored to each client’s objectives.
Water Law
Water is one of Texas’ most valuable and contested resources. Whether the issue involves securing water supplies for growth, protecting groundwater resources, navigating regulatory permitting, or litigating water rights disputes, clients need counsel who understand both the law and the technical realities of water management.
Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody’s Water Law practice helps municipalities, utilities, developers, landowners, groundwater conservation districts, water supply corporations, businesses, and private clients navigate the increasingly complex legal and regulatory environment governing water in Texas.
GDHM WATER LAW FOCUS AREAS
Groundwater Law and Groundwater Conservation Districts
- Representation of groundwater conservation districts as general counsel and special counsel
- Rulemaking and regulatory compliance under Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code
- Desired Future Conditions and Managed Available Groundwater issues
- Permit applications, amendments, renewals, and transfers
- Groundwater production permitting and spacing disputes
- Enforcement actions and administrative appeals
- Litigation involving groundwater rights and district authority
- Groundwater management planning and policy development
Surface Water Rights
- Surface water rights permitting and amendments
- Water rights transfers and changes of use
- Water availability and supply planning
- Water marketing and contractual arrangements
- Water rights due diligence for acquisitions and development projects
- Water rights litigation and contested proceedings
Water and Wastewater – Public Utility Commission Regulation
- Water and wastewater Certificates of Convenience and Necessity (CCNs)
- Utility service disputes and decertification proceedings
- Regulatory proceedings before the Public Utility Commission of Texas
- Utility acquisitions and service area expansion
- Rate and service matters
Water Quality – Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Permitting
- Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) permits
- Wastewater discharge permitting
- Industrial and municipal permitting matters
- Compliance counseling and enforcement defense
- Water reuse and alternative water supply projects
Administrative and Regulatory Litigation
- Contested case hearings before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Public Utility Commission of Texas, and the Railroad Commission of Texas, and various groundwater conservation districts
- Proceedings before the State Office of Administrative Hearings
- Appeals of agency decisions
- Rule challenges and declaratory actions
- Injunctive and appellate proceedings involving water regulation
