This course explores legal schemes
for securing and using water rights in surface
water and groundwater for private and public uses
in the United States. We will examine the riparian
and prior appropriation doctrines of water
allocation, groundwater management regimes, the
public rights to water, and federal and tribal
water management and regulation of water
resources. We will also consider the evolving role
of science, economics, and policy in water
allocation law. The paper requirement for this
class qualifies as a substantial paper for
purposes of the Certificate in Environmental,
Natural Resources, and Energy Law but does not
qualify for the WIE writing requirement.