3 ms·

Just an arbitrary constraint in the analog, corresponding to how continued water drawing can kill off aquifers.

• s1artibartfast 4y ago
  OK, I think I largely agree that the solution is to let owners sell walking rights. This is described in the article as leasing the water rights, and I think a solid part of the solution. The problem is who pays for the walking rights, and how much. If it is too low, the owner would rather use the water/land until it is depleted. This is further complicated by the fact that in Utah, much of the farming water from rain isn't being depleted, but rather, the lake is drying up. Someone upstream might say, I have a source of water good for the next 1000 years, and can earn $10/year. Why should I accept $5/year to send it down stream? Also, the article mentions that a major issue is trust, which cant be stated enough. If I destroy my business and a life long investment to accept $5/year, what protections do I have that the price wont go to $1/year, or $0? If the state makes a binding contract, can I even trust that? This lack of trust is based in history, as cities and states in the west frequently brake water contracts with farmers. Sometimes states end up having to pay settlements for break of contract like in California, but even these are usually pennies on the dollar and decades later.