Water Rights

NRCE has unparalleled expertise providing technical assistance to government, tribal, private entities, and irrigation districts in water rights disputes. Our staff provides water rights consulting services ranging from reconnaissance level studies to expert witness testimony for most of the major watersheds in the western United States. We have helped clients to quantify and secure several million acre-feet of water rights through litigation and negotiated settlements. Our clients have included the federal government, over 65 tribal governments, municipalities, utility companies, irrigation districts, individual farmers, and private attorneys.

Research & Analysis – Our experts conduct research and field studies, while employing in-depth analytical tools for:
• Hydrographic Surveys
• Beneficial Use Investigations
• Domestic, Commercial, Municipal, & Industrial Water Use Studies
• Practicably Irrigable Acreage Studies
• Water Rights Analyses Under State & Federal Laws

Administration – We handle all details of claim preparation and defense:
• Water Rights Claim Preparation
• Discovery, Deposition, & Testimony
• Expert Witness Coordination
• Technical Committee Representation
• Technical Direction to Clients Throughout Negotiations, Settlements, & Adjudications

Protection – Each settlement must be monitored to protect the client’s interests:
• Protection of Decreed Water Rights
• Usage Tracking & Enforcement