AWWA JAW22497

Because few water resources in the western portions of the United States remain undeveloped, increasing demand for new uses for water has created a need for transfers. Although today's "free market" for water in the West is more an ideal than a reality, privately negotiated water transfers are increasing in frequency and volume. This article describes how and why different markets are formed, outlines characteristics of several types of such markets, explains the types of water rights for which buyers and sellers are dealing, and reports examples of sales, lease, option, and negotiated arrangements for the transfer of water rights. Includes 2 references, figures.