WATER RIGHTS

 Hydrologic information becomes a central part of the process of water-rights administration when water is applied to a new use. Water-use permits are designed to protect the property interests of prior users and to meet the parallel goal of expediting the transfer of water to higher economic purposes. The newer, more economically and socially-productive purposes of use, such as municipal, industrial, power generation, recreation, etc., commonly compete with the established historical uses for a limited water supply.

During administrative review of this process, Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc. (LBG) experts often are asked to explain the factual basis underlying the effects of proposed new uses or changes in use. Hydrologic models serve in these cases to link the proposed action to its hydrologic effects. The models are capable of generating a response curve for any scenario by simulating the management or policy alternatives in these terms. LBG hydrogeologists, on behalf of our clients, have been admitted as expert witnesses to provide the court or the administrator's need for sound information.

Our areas of water rights expertise:

• Computer Modeling
• Stream Flow Analysis
• Expert Testimony
• Ground-Water Hydraulic Testing and Analysis
• Hydrogeochemical Analysis