Water law is one of the most complex and critical areas of law, particularly in the West. For more than a century, a dynamic interplay of court decisions, statutes, policies, treaties, and contracts has shaped the management, use, and conservation of water, especially in arid regions like the Southwest. Nowhere is the importance of water law more evident than in Arizona, where the availability and regulation of water impact everything from agriculture to real estate development, recreation, and high-tech industries.

At Gammage & Burnham, we have decades of experience guiding clients through the intricate landscape of water law. Arizona has long been a national leader in water policy, management, and conservation, and our attorneys are integral to shaping the policies and practices that affect how water is accessed and distributed in the state. Water is a finite resource, and the stakes are high when it comes to securing water rights, navigating the complexities of water law, and planning for future water needs. We help our clients understand and secure their access to this essential resource.

Whether you’re a developer, a municipality, a rancher, or a water utility, our team has the deep legal knowledge and strategic experience to ensure your water-related issues are handled effectively. From litigation to policy creation, we support our clients in the full spectrum of water law matters, including water rights allocation, environmental regulations, water conservation policies, and more.

Our attorneys are known for their ability to guide clients through challenging and high-stakes projects, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal water regulations. We have a long history of representing clients in water rights cases, including matters related to:

  • Water Rights Transactions: Acquisition, transfer, and protection of water rights.
  • Water Supply & Allocation: Managing and negotiating for reliable water supplies in both urban and rural areas.
  • Environmental Compliance: Ensuring compliance with water quality standards, the Clean Water Act, and other environmental regulations.
  • Water Conservation & Sustainability: Helping clients implement conservation strategies and navigate regulations related to sustainability and resource management.
  • Water-Related Litigation: Representing clients in water disputes, including those related to water use, rights, and regulations.

Our practice group is uniquely positioned in Arizona and the Southwest due to the longstanding contributions of our founding attorney Grady Gammage Jr. As a recognized leader in water policy, Grady has played a pivotal role in shaping Arizona’s water laws over the last several decades, including his leadership on the Central Arizona Project (CAP) Board of Directors and his instrumental work during critical federal litigation. His unparalleled expertise in water law continues to influence both public policy and legal practice in Arizona.

Water law is not just a niche area; it’s a cornerstone of the economic development and sustainability of the desert Southwest. At Gammage & Burnham, we understand the complex dynamics of water law and leverage our deep experience to help our clients secure their water rights and successfully navigate the intricate web of regulations that govern water use in Arizona.