Municipalities & Utilities
Navigating Washington’s Water Laws
Municipalities & utility companies face a variety of legal issues. The experienced attorneys at Wolff, Hislop & Crockett, help both publicly and privately operated utilities navigate issues involving water rights, statutory compliance, and other legal matters.
Some of the areas we focus on include:
- Legal Compliance
- Water Rights
- Employment Law
- Real Estate Issues
- Water-Sewer Districts, formed under RCW 57
- Irrigation Districts, formed under RCW 87
Navigating all the laws applicable to a privately operated utility, an Irrigation District, or a Water Sewer District, is complicated. The attorneys at Wolff, Hislop & Crockett have expertise stemming from a combination of years of practice and the Partners’ personal experience as board members.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “legal compliance” mean for utilities and municipalities?
The answer depends on whether the utility is public or private.
For private utility companies, “legal compliance” includes following rules and regulations directly applicable to the provision of water or electric services as well as advising on corporate formalities. With regards to public entities like Irrigation Districts or Water-Sewer Districts, “legal compliance” includes both those rules and regulations directly applicable to them as well as rules and regulations generally applicable to municipalities, such as:
- Responding to Public Records Act Requests
- Ensuring compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
- Assisting on the bid process for Public Works
- Advising on the procedure for selling or leasing land
Aside from “legal compliance” what else does a utility need assistance with?
In addition to following formalities, utilities face issues that other businesses encounter, including:
- Employment matters (handbooks, hiring and firing)
- Billing Disputes
- Contract Review and Disputes
- Advising on the procedure for selling or leasing land
- Implementation of new programs
- Litigation
Does your firm only represent water utilities?
No. Our firm represents purveyors of water and electricity.