The organisational and legal framework of the water industry (water supply and sewage) is currently under substantial pressure to change and restructure.

In Germany, the process of modernisation is designed to keep abreast of continuing liberalisation initiatives at European level. In addition, there are factual changes stemming from the increasing financial difficulties experienced by the municipalities as well as the fact that large companies which specialise in the water sector are entering the market and energy supply companies are increasingly discovering the water sector as a new business field.

In this context, we advise water supply and sewage companies, energy supply companies as well as clients in industry. Our practice particularly focuses on the conclusion of water concession contracts as well as management and operation agreements, the take-over of complete water supply and sewage companies and since recently, the conclusion of sewage concession contracts. When restructuring organisational forms in the sewage sector, our services not only include the legal aspects but also the evaluation of economic feasibility.

Apart from providing support for restructuring processes, we also assist our clients in solving "everyday” legal problems. These include questions in relation to the mandatory connection to to and use of wastewater disposal facilities (so-called "Anschluss- und Benutzungszwang"), the drafting of water delivery contracts (purchasing water from an upstream supplier/delivering water to redistributors), water supply contracts (water supply for final customers), sewage and discharge contracts; in case of official rights of use we provide solutions in the context of fees and tariffs, as well as problems concerning the issue/extension of licenses under water law (ground water extraction, sewage discharge), sewage and extraction fees.

Contact persons in this area are Rudolf Böck (Munich), Dr. Martin Riedel (Berlin),Daniel Schiebold (Berlin).