In Nevada, water rights are property rights.
Water may be purchased, sold and leased with, or separate from, the land on which they have been used. Generally, the rights to the use of water in the State of Nevada must be established through the water appropriation process administered by the State Engineer’s office. Disputes involving water rights can be complex and sophisticated, involving both state and federal legislation, emerging technologies and environmental concerns and requiring an understanding of business and commercial litigation, contracts, real estate, environmental law, and water law.
We have substantial experience in water rights law.
Robertson, Johnson, Miller & Williamson represents individuals, farmers, ranchers, ski resorts, water purveyors, industries, and real estate developers in their water rights needs involving: surface water, groundwater, water quality, acquisition, disposition, ownership, conveyances, permits, conditional water rights, agricultural use, irrigation, development, diversion, augmentation plans, drainage issues, treaties, interstate compacts, wetlands, and regulatory compliance. We handle water rights sales and purchases, adjudication of water rights, water quality issues, federal reserved water rights, changes in points of diversion, place and purpose of use, exchanges, water contracts, utility matters, water well permits, takings of water rights and rights of way.
Our attorneys assist clients in advisory, regulatory and litigation matters involving water, the environment and natural resources.
Managing water rights, negotiating and contracting with private and governmental water agencies, complying with complex water and environmental laws, and competing for limited water resources are examples of the challenges that our clients face.
