Water Law

Arkansas is a state considered rich in water resources, averaging between 40 and 58 inches of annual rainfall, and an estimated average daily river flow of 280 billion gallons. Nevertheless, conflicts are rapidly increasing with concerns over water rights, water quality, water transfer projects, allocation of surface water, and critical ground water shortages.

At Perkins & Trotter, our attorneys are experienced in dealing with a wide range of water law issues including:

• Water rights

• Water quality

• Surface water allocation

• Critical groundwater designations

• Riparian rights

• Irrigation projects

• Interbasin and Intrabasin transfers

• Dam permitting

• Wetlands issues

• Water resource projects

• Water use contracts and permits

• Hydropower projects

• Clean Water Act permits

• Nutrient management

• Sensitive watersheds

• Minimum stream flow

Perkins & Trotter regularly represent clients concerning complex water law issues involving both water rights and water quality issues, in transactions, litigation, and regulatory proceedings. Our lawyers actively participate in drafting and analyzing legislation and regulations on water rights and water quality. We represent clients before the Arkansas Soil & Water Conservation Commission, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, among others.