Water is precious in Texas, and the right to capture, produce, sell and lease it are essential components of property ownership.

Texas law expressly codifies the ownership of groundwater in particular:

The legislature recognizes that a landowner owns the groundwater below the surface of the landowner’s land as real property.

 

As the Texas population explodes and droughts become more pronounced, scarcity has driven up the value of water. With that enhanced value has come both opportunity and increased complexity and conflict.

Parties engaged in the water business or even the business of selling and leasing water require attorneys that are versed in the nuances of Texas Water Law.

Mark Twain has (perhaps undeservedly) been credited with the saying that

“Whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting”

 

 

No matter who first uttered them, those words were prophetic. Water shortages have resulted in an explosion of new laws, regulations, governmental units and lawsuits.

Our water rights attorneys understand these developments and how they affect all stakeholders, including landowners, developers and water providers.

 

 

Texas Water Law Attorneys for Utilities and Landowners
Legal Counsel for Water Rights, Permitting, and Regulatory Compliance

At R L Wilson Law Firm, we provide experienced, results-driven legal services in Texas water law. Our clients include water utilities, municipal water systems, investor-owned water companies, water supply corporations, and private landowners across Texas.

We help clients protect, manage, and maximize the value of their water resources by providing strategic legal counsel in water rights transactions, groundwater and surface water permitting, regulatory compliance, and enforcement defense.

 

 

Water Law Services in Texas

Water Rights Transactions: Sales, Leases, and Transfers
We represent landowners and utilities in the sale and lease of water rights, including groundwater rights and surface water rights. Our attorneys handle contract negotiation, Contract drafting,  title review, due diligence, and all documentation required for a secure and enforceable transaction.

Water Permitting and Regulatory Approvals
Our firm provides end-to-end guidance through the Texas water permitting process, including permits with Groundwater Conservation Districts (GCDs). We work with experts to prepare applications, communicate with regulators, attend GCD Board meetings, and help clients obtain permits for water production, transportation, and use. When necessary, we represent clients through the contested case hearing process and in Court.

Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement Defense
We advise clients on compliance with Texas water regulations and defend against enforcement actions. Whether you’re responding to a TCEQ notice of violation or undergoing an audit, we help protect your interests and minimize legal risk.

Groundwater and Surface Water Law
Our firm is well-versed in both the Rule of Capture and the Prior Appropriation Doctrine governing Texas water law. We advise clients on groundwater ownership, district rules, surface water rights, and the legal implications of water use, conservation, and infrastructure development.

Legal Counsel for Water Utilities and Districts
We serve as outside  counsel to utilities and governmental entities, advising on water supply contracts, interlocal agreements, rate structures, easements, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure planning.

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Why Choose R L Wilson Law Firm for Water Law in Texas?

 

  • Over 20 Years of Legal Experience in Texas real estate and water law

  • Deep Knowledge of Texas Water Law, including TCEQ rules, groundwater management, and surface water permitting

  • Responsive, Strategic Legal Advice tailored to the unique needs of utilities, special purpose districts, and landowners

  • Proven Results in complex water transactions, regulatory matters, and administrative proceedings

Whether you are acquiring new water supplies, developing infrastructure, or responding to regulatory issues, we are ready to assist.