Water

Willis ISD Takes Legal Action Against Conroe Over Water Supply for Calfee Middle School

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Willis, Texas, is taking legal action against the city of Conroe regarding water service provisions for the recently constructed Calfee Middle School. This development arises amidst ongoing disputes about the delivery of essential utilities to the educational facility, which is anticipated to host students in the coming academic year. The lawsuit comes after Willis Independent School District officials expressed frustration over the lack of water service agreement with Conroe. The district is concerned that without a reliable water supply, the new middle school will face operational challenges. This situation poses a significant obstacle as school … Read more

Former Water District Employee Awarded $5 Million After Wrongful Termination Following Job-Related Injury

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EAST WENATCHEE, Wash. — A jury has awarded $5 million to Brian Kniffen, a former employee of the East Wenatchee Water District, after ruling he was wrongfully let go due to a job-related spinal injury. The verdict highlights serious concerns regarding compliance with state and federal disability discrimination laws. The jury concluded that the Water District failed to provide reasonable accommodations for Kniffen, who was employed as a utility field inspector for nearly three decades. His back injury occurred in 2020 when he attempted to open a stuck water main valve. Following his injury, Kniffen … Read more

Douglas County Jury Awards $5 Million to Whistleblower in Disability Discrimination Case Against East Wenatchee Water District

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EAST WENATCHEE, Wash. — A jury in Douglas County has awarded $5 million to Brian Kniffen, a dedicated employee of the East Wenatchee Water District, who claimed he was wrongfully dismissed after sustaining a work-related spinal injury. Kniffen worked for nearly 30 years as a utility field inspector. In 2020, Kniffen injured his back while trying to open a stuck water main valve. Following the incident, he sought workplace accommodations to manage his recovery, including restrictions on his ability to lift heavy objects and manually operate valves. These recommendations were backed by the Washington State … Read more

LADWP Faces Legal Challenge Over Alleged Water Mismanagement in Palisades Fire Aftermath

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Los Angeles, California — A recent mass tort complaint against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) aims to address potential liabilities related to municipal infrastructure maintenance during significant disasters. This lawsuit, filed Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims that deficiencies in the utility’s water management practices contributed to extensive damage in the ongoing Palisades Fire. The case, identified as Grigsby et al. v. City of Los Angeles et al., alleges that systemic failures within LADWP’s management of the Santa Ynez Reservoir exacerbated the impact of the fire. The reservoir, holding … Read more