University of Arizona economist Bonnie Colby on why the enduring opposition to water transfers out of agriculture goes beyond price:

This is not surprising given third party economic effects when irrigated agriculture diminishes in a region. However, the enduring nature of the opposition is striking, even when seemingly generous compensation is included for third party effects. The opposition is about something beyond money changing hands and the workings of regional economies. Individual property rights in water that can transfer to other uses at the discretion of the water right owner clash with a cultural sense of water as an eco-social and community asset passed down across generations.

Colby, Bonnie. “Acquiring environmental flows: ecological economics of policy development in western US.” Ecological Economics 173 (2020): 106655.

Such a rich paper! Here’s another favorite bit:

In the western U.S., water is a key part of identity for indigenous tribes and rural farming communities. These parties articulate clearly that water is central to their collective identity, in addition to its economic importance (Colby et al., 2005; Deol and Colby, 2018). Water also contributes to identity for city dwellers, recreationists and environmental advocates. Some western U.S. cities are known for lush landscaping, golf courses and fountains, despite their arid climate. Those who enjoy kayaking and fishing have a sense of collective identity and form groups to argue for more water dedicated to these pursuits. Environmental and conservation organizations build identities, reputations and fund-raising campaigns based on their successes in restoring flows to rivers and wetlands. Where identity is tied to water, water trading encounters complexities beyond the norm for real estate transactions.

(Fall class for UNM Water Resources and Econ grad students starts in a few weeks, going back over favorite readings to prepare.)