Legal Representation for Real Estate Developers Seeking Water and Wastewater Service

At The Jones Law Firm PC we provide expert legal services to real estate developers in Texas who need to secure water services for their new subdivisions. Ensuring access to water and wastewater treatment is a critical part of any development project, and working with water suppliers can present a variety of challenges. Our firm offers guidance in negotiating with public water utilities (water supply corporations, municipal utilities, investor owned utilities, and special utility districts) to secure the water supply and wastewater service your development projects require.

Navigating Water Supply Agreements

Texas law grants water and wastewater utilities the right to serve land within designated geographic service areas.  Within those service areas developers must navigate state and local regulations to secure service for new developments. The Jones Law Firm PC assists developers by:

• Identifying Authorized Water Suppliers and Wastewater Facilities: Ensuring developers connect with the appropriate water utility providers based on location and project needs.
• Negotiating Water Service Contracts: Working closely with water suppliers to negotiate fair and efficient wholesale and retail water supply and wastewater service agreements.
• Securing Approvals: Securing the necessary permits and approvals from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and other agencies necessary to ensure timely completion of development projects.

Overcoming Regulatory Challenges

Real estate developers face various regulatory hurdles when securing water services, including compliance with state and local regulations. The Jones Law Firm PC helps streamline this process by:

• Regulatory Compliance: Guiding developers through the legal requirements for water and wastewater service connections, ensuring compliance with PUC, TCEQ and other regulatory bodies.
• Infrastructure Development: Assisting with the legal aspects of water infrastructure projects, such as constructing and permitting pipelines, reservoirs, elevated storage tanks, and wastewater treatment plants.
• Water Capacity Analysis: Ensuring the water supplier has adequate capacity to serve the development both now and in the future.

Resolving Water Service Disputes

Disputes may arise between developers and water suppliers over issues such as service availability, pricing, or infrastructure responsibilities. The Jones Law Firm PC provides experienced representation to resolve such conflicts efficiently:

• Easement and Access Issues: Resolving disputes over property access for water and wastewater lines and infrastructure development.
• Rate and Tariff Disputes: Advocating for developers to ensure fair pricing for water and wastewater services.
• Service Commitments: Securing service commitments from water utility providers for current and future project needs.

Long-Term Legal Strategy for Developers

Our firm offers long-term support to developers throughout the entire process, from initial negotiations to the completion of the development project. Our goal is to help developers secure water services smoothly and without costly delays. We assist with:

• Master Planning: Advising developers on how to integrate water and wastewater service plans into their overall project strategy.
• Expansion Plans: Supporting developers in securing water and wastewater services for future expansion or additional phases of their subdivision.
• Water Rights Acquisition: Helping developers acquire or transfer water rights when necessary to support the development’s long-term needs.