Spring 2025: The Water Markets Issue

Colorado’s thriving water market allows for the buying, selling and leasing of water rights — but as water becomes scarcer, investors are eyeing the resource as a commodity that can turn profits across the West. Some experts say that water markets could play a larger role in optimizing water use, but is Colorado protected against water speculation, monopolization, export and inflated pricing? Or could profiteering put critical water resources at risk? View a flipbook of the issue or read articles below.