By Drew Viguet
National Agricultural Law Center
U of A System Division of Agriculture
July 8, 2025
Fast facts:
- Water markets allow the West to manage its most vital resource
- NALC “Western Water” webinar will highlight methods
- Registration available at no cost online
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Water markets are transforming how Western states manage one of their most vital — and limited — resources, and an upcoming webinar will examine the legal and policy framework behind these systems.
Water markets allow water rights to be bought, sold, or leased, giving farmers, cities, and other users flexibility to respond to drought, population growth, and shifting demand. These systems serve as a tool to manage scarce water supply while preserving water rights.
“These markets provide an adaptive mechanism to manage water in the West, particularly as Western states face increased competition for limited resources,” said Brett Bovee, intermountain regional director at WestWater Research, an economic firm offering solutions for water supply and market challenges.
Bovee will join Brian Hamilton, water rights attorney at California-based Downey Brand LLP, to present “Western Water Markets: Overview of Legal and Policy Considerations” on July 16 at 11 a.m. Central/Noon Eastern. Registration is available at no cost on the NALC website at nationalaglawcenter.org/webinars/western-water-markets.
The webinar is the latest installment in the NALC’s “Western Water” Webinar Series, which highlights pressing water law issues in the Western United States. Previous entries have examined topics such as groundwater recharge and water banking and leasing.
Hamilton said that for water markets to succeed, they must be built on a foundation of clear legal rules.
“Sound legal frameworks — especially through adjudications — are critical to creating the transparency and certainty needed for water markets to function effectively,” Hamilton said. “When structured well, these markets can be an effective tool for balancing sustainability, efficiency, and equity in water use.”
NALC Director Harrison Pittman said the “Western Water” Webinar Series plays an important role in sharing legal insight on water law across the country.
“Water is one of, if not the most, vital issues in agriculture,” said Pittman. “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.”
To read the full news release, click here.