In the arid landscapes of the Western United States, water is more than just a resource; it’s a lifeline. As droughts intensify and populations grow, the traditional methods of water management are being supplemented by a more dynamic approach: water markets. These markets, which allow water rights to be bought, sold, or leased, are becoming an increasingly important tool for managing the West’s most vital resource.
An upcoming webinar, hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC), will delve into the legal and policy framework that underpins these water markets. Titled “Western Water Markets: Overview of Legal and Policy Considerations,” the event will feature Brett Bovee, intermountain regional director at WestWater Research, and Brian Hamilton, a water rights attorney at California-based Downey Brand LLP.
Water markets provide a flexible mechanism for farmers, cities, and other users to respond to changing conditions. They can help mitigate the impacts of drought, accommodate population growth, and adapt to shifting demand. However, for these markets to function effectively, they must be built on a solid legal foundation. This is where the expertise of speakers like Hamilton comes into play. He emphasizes the importance of clear legal rules, particularly through adjudications, in creating the transparency and certainty needed for water markets to thrive.
The webinar is part of the NALC’s “Western Water” Webinar Series, which has been exploring pressing water law issues in the Western United States. Previous topics have included groundwater recharge and water banking and leasing. The series aims to share legal insights on water law across the country, highlighting the national significance of water issues in agriculture.
Harrison Pittman, director of the NALC, underscores the importance of these discussions. “Water is one of, if not the most, vital issues in agriculture,” he said. “What’s happening in the West has national significance, and this webinar with Brett and Brian will help shed light on how water markets are evolving to meet today’s challenges.”
The webinar is scheduled for July 16 at 11 a.m. Central/Noon Eastern. Registration is available at no cost on the NALC website. As the West continues to grapple with water management challenges, these discussions and the insights they provide will be increasingly valuable. They offer a glimpse into the future of water management, where markets and legal frameworks work together to ensure the sustainable use of this precious resource.