2 ms·

Thanks for explaining. My anecdotal experience is from talking to people in NM, which may be different than the dynamics you're describing. E.g., as rural agric

by bumby 3y ago

Thanks for explaining. My anecdotal experience is from talking to people in NM, which may be different than the dynamics you're describing. E.g., as rural agriculture has grown, the Rio Grande is dry for longer and longer periods when it used to flow year-around decades ago. Residential construction has also grown fast, with an emphasis on water-hungry non-native species. >The only common thread in the western US is water and how there just isn't enough of it for cheap. Isn't this specifically because agricultural water is disproportionately (severely) discounted? I.e., it is extremely cheap for agriculture, which drives them to use more water, especially on crops that wouldn't otherwise be well-suited to that climate. Which leads to non-agricultural water to disproportionately more costly. I've read on HN that 80% of water in the west is used for agriculture, which would seem to confirm this dynamic.

Balgair 3y ago
The cost structure and usage defies any simple explanation. Meaning that it's not easy to tie up in a HN comment. Honestly, each waterway can have it's own rules and it's own rights. In CO, until recently, you weren't able to collect rainwater from your own roof, as that water was already earmarked for the right's holder of the water the second it touched the ground. They've changed that and are more in line with other states, but such strange little provisions and regulations exist in other manners all over the US West. I wouldn't doubt your stats on water usage though, 80% is the right ballpark. But again, that system is the result of a bazillion little laws and regulations that would each have their day in court.
- bumby 3y ago
  It's interesting to have learning in various parts of the country as it pertains to property rights. The West, in particular, seems strange in terms of mineral and water rights compared to other regions. I'm assuming it's an artifact of the frontier culture.

by bumby 3y ago

Balgair 3y ago

The cost structure and usage defies any simple explanation. Meaning that it's not easy to tie up in a HN comment. Honestly, each waterway can have it's own rules and it's own rights. In CO, until recently, you weren't able to collect rainwater from your own roof, as that water was already earmarked for the right's holder of the water the second it touched the ground. They've changed that and are more in line with other states, but such strange little provisions and regulations exist in other manners all over the US West. I wouldn't doubt your stats on water usage though, 80% is the right ballpark. But again, that system is the result of a bazillion little laws and regulations that would each have their day in court.

bumby 3y ago
It's interesting to have learning in various parts of the country as it pertains to property rights. The West, in particular, seems strange in terms of mineral and water rights compared to other regions. I'm assuming it's an artifact of the frontier culture.