Doctoral Dissertation Research: Policy Designs to Address Water Reallocations During Societal Transitions

Utah State University, Logan UT

Investigators

Abstract

This research examines the institutional and individual impact of new policies, related to efficiency, equity, and effectiveness, on systems of water allocation. It is based on three case studies. The first case study focuses on human behavioral responses to new technologies aimed at increasing efficiency of water delivery and use. The second case study focuses on water banks, leasing, and transfers as water reallocation tools. The third case study investigates conflicts over water due to rapid urbanization and challenges of meeting urban and rural needs. The research plan involves key-informant interviews, ethnographic observation, and document analysis. Water reallocation is one of the most significant and contentious issues facing the western United States. As cities and population continue to grow in water-scarce environments, people confront tradeoffs and seek new approaches. This project considers the ways that law plays a pivotal role in negotiating these tradeoffs and the introduction of new approaches.