Water Transfers in Water Resource Systems

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) | March 1st, 1995

Water transfers are a common component of many regional water systems and are being increasingly considered for meeting growing water demands and for managing the impacts

Water transfers are a common component of many regional water systems and are being increasingly considered for meeting growing water demands and for managing the impacts of drought.  Water transfers can take many forms and can serve a number of different purposes in the planning and operation of water resource systems. However, to be successful, water transfers must be carefully integrated with traditional water supply augmentation and demand management measures.  This integration requires increased cooperation among different water use sectors and resolution of numerous technical and institutional issues, including impacts to third parties.  This paper identifies the many forms that water transfers can take, some of the benefits they can generate, and the difficulties and constraints which must be overcome in their implementation.

Who Should Be Allowed to Sell Water in California? Third-Party Issues and the Water Market

Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) | June 13th, 2003

Although significant water trading has occurred in California since the drought of the early 1990s, many localities have restricted water transfers because of the perceiv

Although significant water trading has occurred in California since the drought of the early 1990s, many localities have restricted water transfers because of the perceived harm to other users and the local economy. In Who Should Be Allowed to Sell Water in California? Third-Party Issues and the Water Market, Ellen Hanak examines water transfers in California, local resistance to them, and various approaches to resolving water disputes. Drawing on a new database of water transfers as well as interviews with state, county, and water district officials, the report calls for water management at the local level that balances the interests of other residents and the potential gains from transfers.