Water
Water companies, especially small condominium and homeowner associations that are considered water companies under the law, face almost daily challenges in keeping rates down while adhering to construction, water quality and demand requirements. Our attorneys are experienced in representing water companies in financing matters, mergers and acquisitions, receivership proceedings and rate proceedings. The firm's water attorneys routinely help clients achieve solutions to regulatory problems by working closely with regulators and technical experts. Our attorneys are also prepared to counsel clients facing complicated technical problems that trigger a legal response in either administrative proceedings or in court. Our attorneys have assisted clients with the multi-step process of obtaining Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for ownership and operation of private water systems. We have also achieved creative solutions for private land owners facing water supply concerns. Our attorneys have brokered land swap deals with large regional water supply companies; obtained necessary permits and certificates from regulatory agencies including the Department of Public Utility Control, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Public Health; worked with engineering and water supply management companies to resolve technical issues; identified instances where continued private operation is economically undesirable or infeasible, and in those instances, assisted with the voluntary acquisition process and drafted legislation to allow municipal involvement with ground water contamination issues. Shipman & Goodwin attorneys have also contested the acquisition of a water company by a large international corporation. In combination with our Environmental and Land Use practice, Shipman & Goodwin attorneys can assist clients with permitting and siting new or expanded facilities and managing water quality issues.
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