Water Law 201 Webinar – Going Deeper into California Water Law

Tom Cumpston, MCWRA Legal Counsel

California water law is complex, evolving, and increasingly central to how local agencies manage water supply, conservation, and regional partnerships. Join MCWRA Legal Counsel Tom Cumpston for Water Law 201, an in-depth webinar designed for water leaders who want to better understand the legal principles shaping water management across the Sierra Nevada and throughout California.

Building on foundational concepts, this session will explore several critical areas of water law, including Area-of-Origin protections, the constitutional doctrine of “waste and unreasonable use,” and the legal framework governing water transfers. These topics are essential for agencies navigating water rights, regulatory oversight, conservation requirements, and opportunities to maximize the value of their water resources.

Participants will gain practical insights into how these laws affect water rights security, regional water supply planning, and policy decisions—along with real-world considerations for agencies evaluating water transfers or responding to evolving regulatory expectations.

Whether you are a water agency director, board member, policy professional, or regional stakeholder, this webinar will help you better understand the legal landscape influencing California’s water future.