The Project on U.S. State Groundwater Quantity Laws & Regulations (Project) is the first major effort to systematically survey, categorize, and describe the various legal regimes for state groundwater rights in the United States. It comprises detailed surveys of state groundwater-related statutes, regulations, and case law prepared for every state in the Union. The surveys are based on a rubric developed by professors
Gabriel Eckstein (Texas A&M University School of Law) and
Amy Hardberger (Texas Tech University School of Law). All surveys were completed by law students at Texas A&M University School of Law, Texas Tech University School of Law, and St. Mary’s University School of Law.
Collectively, the analyses contained in the surveys could aid state and federal governments to explore new mechanisms and approaches for the sound management of groundwater resources. They also might serve as useful resources for property owners, water rights holders, water managers, the private sector, and the general public. In the longer term, the surveys will be used by the Project directors to explore possible comparisons of groundwater governance principles, strategies, issues, and challenges across the United States.
Every survey in the Project was rigorously reviewed at three levels: by students who reviewed their colleagues’ work product; by both professors Eckstein and Hardberger; and by at least one in-state expert. However, while the survey authors, editors, reviewers, and Directors have made every effort to ensure reliability, these surveys should not be construed as legal advice. Readers with questions about specific groundwater-related situations should seek out appropriate legal experts in their respective jurisdictions.
Surveys generated for the Project are organized in three volumes:
