Water Law
Carls, McDonald & Dalrymple’s water law attorneys have worked for regulatory agencies, public and private regulated entities, as well as for public interest clients and individuals. Our attorneys also include a former member of the legal department at the Texas Water Commission, and a former hearings examiner and Public Interest Counsel with that agency (now known as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality). We are especially proud that Mary Sahs was recently selected by her peers for inclusion in the 2009 and 2010 editions of “The Best Lawyers in America” in the field of water law. Mary Sahs is a co-editor of West’s Texas Practice Series, Environmental Law volumes. Ms. Sahs is also the editor of “Essentials of Texas Water Resources,” to be published in 2009 by TexasBarBooks.
Groundwater:
The firm represents a number of groundwater conservation districts across the State, providing general governmental entity counseling as well as services unique to these districts. Such services include assisting landowners and others create groundwater conservation districts through petitioning the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, working with local legislators to create districts through special legislation. Once a district is formed, the firm assists operating groundwater conservation districts by writing rules, drafting management plans, counseling regarding compliance with special legislation and Texas Water Code chapter 36, participating in groundwater management area joint planning, and all aspects of this important regulatory field.
The firm also represents applicants seeking groundwater production and transportation permits from groundwater districts. Our work in this area includes providing comments on a district’s proposed changes to its management plan or rules, assisting with preparation of the permit application, and representation of the applicant in a contested case hearing or mediated permitting process. We also have experience in challenging the Desired Future Conditions established by the districts in a Groundwater Management Area.
Surface Water:
The firm provides counseling and representation on surface water rights issues, including transactions, permits and amendments.
We also assist clients with drainage issues, dam safety regulation, drought planning and response, water supply contracts, and public water system regulations.
Utilities:
We provide representation on water and wastewater utility issues including certificates of convenience and necessity, utility relocation agreements, utility construction and cost-sharing agreements, and rates and tariffs.
