The National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) continues to shed light on the critical issue of water management in the West with its upcoming “Western Water” webinar series. The next installment, scheduled for February 12, will delve into Utah’s innovative approaches to water law, offering insights that could be valuable for other states grappling with similar challenges.
The webinar will be led by Emily Lewis, director and shareholder at Clyde Snow and Sessions. Lewis will explore how Utah has adapted its 175-year-old Prior Appropriation Doctrine to address contemporary water issues. This doctrine, which governs water rights in the western U.S., determines water allocation during shortages and ensures water is used beneficially. Utah’s proactive steps in updating this doctrine could serve as a blueprint for other states.
Utah’s water challenges are significant. The state faces drought, disrupted water supplies, scarcity, and rapid population growth. These issues are not unique to Utah; the National Centers for Environmental Information’s Annual 2024 Drought Report highlights that the Western U.S. has experienced multi-year droughts, with 2024 being the warmest year on record nationwide.
Lewis will discuss how Utah has strategically modified its water laws to better meet these demands. “The progress our state has made is exciting,” Lewis said, “and, while much work is yet to do, the hope is that Utah’s efforts can act as a working lesson for other Western states to adapt to their own needs.” The webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the Prior Appropriation Doctrine and Utah’s specific adaptations, offering practical insights for legal professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in water management.
The webinar, titled “Western Water Law in Action: A Primer on Basic Concepts of the Prior Appropriation Doctrine and How Utah is Modifying Water Law to Meet Modern Demands,” will begin at 11 a.m. Central/Noon Eastern. Registration is free and available on the NALC website at nationalaglawcenter.org/webinars/western-water-law. This session is part of a broader series aimed at addressing the complex water challenges facing the Western U.S.
As water scarcity and climate change continue to impact agricultural and urban communities, understanding and adapting water laws become increasingly important. Utah’s experience offers a valuable case study in how states can evolve their legal frameworks to address modern water demands. The upcoming webinar provides an opportunity to learn from Utah’s innovative approaches and consider how similar strategies might be applied elsewhere.