Why 2026 Will Decide the Future of Water in the West, with Rhett Larson

As the Colorado River approaches a pivotal moment facing historically low flows and record-breaking shortages, decisions made in 2026 will help determine the future of water, energy, and economic security across the American West. Today, Ten Across Conversations shares an episode from Arizona State University's Labcoat Optional podcast, featuring Ten Across friend and water law expert Rhett Larson.With existing Colorado River operating agreements approaching expiration, stakeholders across seven states, tribal nations, and two countries are grappling with how to manage a resource that faces increasing pressure from aridification and competing demands. Larson explains why these negotiations are among the most consequential water policy discussions in decades and what they reveal about the challenges ahead for communities throughout the Southwest.Drawing connections between water governance, urban development, climate adaptation, and regional resilience, Lab Coat Optional host Pete Zroika chats with Larson to explore how long-foreseen challenges in the Colorado River Basin are becoming a present-day reality—and why rethinking our assumptions about growth and sustainability may be essential for the future.Guest BioRhett Larson is a Professor of Law and the Richard Morrison Professor of Water Law at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, where his research focuses on the impact of technological innovation on water rights regimes, particularly transboundary waters, and the sustainability implications of a human right to water. He specializes in dispute resolution and improved processes in water rights adjudications in Arizona and the Colorado River Basin. Professor Larson also practiced environmental and natural resource law with law firms in Arizona, focusing on water rights, water quality, and real estate transactions.Relevant Articles and Resources What's more important, Arizona, building houses or water? (Rhett Larson for The Arizona Republic, May 2026)Agencies in 3 states sign MOU to share water across dry Colorado River basin (Times of San Diego, June 2026)West prepares for extreme measures to relieve pressure on Colorado River (Marketplace, May 2026)Explore the Kyl Center’s Arizona Water Blueprint to find out the source of your waterJust Add Water: Solving the World's Problems Using its Most Precious Resource by Rhett B. Larson (Oxford University Press)Day Zero: How Cities Run Out of Water by Rhett B. Larson (Cambridge University Press, forthcoming 2027)Relevant Ten Across Conversations PodcastsThe Hard Decisions Ahead for Lower Basin Colorado River States with guest Terry Goddard (December 5, 2025)Latest Deadpool Projections Inject New Urgency into Colorado River Negotiations with guests Kathryn Sorensen and Sarah Porter (September 19, 2025)Understanding Groundwater Risks in the Southwest with Jay Famiglietti (June 6, 2025)Checking in on Tense Colorado River Negotiations with Anne Castle and John Fleck (April 10, 2025)Episode CreditsTen Across Conversations Host: Duke ReiterAudio Production: Louie DuranResearch and support provided by: Kate Carefoot, Rae Ulrich, and Sabine Butler Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise. Executive produced by Kate HowellsProduced by Alexander Chapin and Pete ZriokaHosted and reported by Pete ZriokaShot by Alexander ChapinEdited by Quinton Kendall and Alexander ChapinOriginal music from Patrick CheungMotion graphics by Andy RamosArt by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz