Join us for a series of talks featuring experts in both water quality and quantity markets. These speakers have been involved in markets in many locales in the U.S. as well as international water markets. We will start the day with an interactive demonstration of how markets work, and from there delve into opportunities and challenges facing water markets today.
Water markets have potential: potential for uniting urban and rural stakeholders in environmental stewardship, potential for inspiring public-private partnerships, and potential for flexible solutions to a variety of regional water-based issues. As of 2013, there were 98 water markets in the U.S. In certain watersheds and regions, water markets have been a smashing success, mitigating nutrient pollution, preserving habitat, and maintaining sufficient flow. By some accounts, however, water markets have yet to reach their full potential, suffering from thin supply or demand, facing regulatory uncertainty, and lacking a driving force.