Can Private Water Markets Save California?

Western Water Company's CEO Michael George ponders the viability of private water markets in California to enable the state's urban centers to continue growing.

1 minute read

December 22, 2003, 1:00 PM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


The recent agreement involving California's share of Colorado River water and the Imperial Irrigation District brought to the fore the scarcity of water available to the urban areas of Southern California. As the region faces enormous growth pressures for the foreseeable future, the efficient distribution of water allocations will be critical. Metro Investment Report presents this interview with Michael George, President and CEO of Western Water Company, in which he addresses the dynamics of California water policy.

Thanks to Larry Segal

Sunday, December 21, 2003 in The Metro Investment Report

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Hot air balloons rise over Downtown Boise with the State Capitol building visible amidst the high rises.

The Five Most-Changed American Cities

A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

April 23, 2025 - GoodMigrations

Close-up of American flag sticker on a silver subway train.

Op-Ed: Why Mobility Is Political

The freedom to move remains unevenly distributed between people of different backgrounds.

15 minutes ago - Streetsblog USA

Offshore wind turbines in water against a sunset sky

Bringing Community Voices Into Renewable Energy Planning

The MIT Renewable Energy Clinic helps coastal communities navigate the complexities of offshore wind development through neutral, inclusive engagement that surfaces local concerns and supports fair decision-making.

1 hour ago - MIT News

Close-up of varied seashells on a sandy beach.

Creating Ocean-Safe Plastic from Seashells

USC researchers have created a biodegradable, marine-safe plastic alternative using calcium carbonate from seashells, offering a promising solution to ocean pollution.

2 hours ago - USC News

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Senior Manager Operations, Urban Planning

New York City School Construction Authority

Building Inspector

Village of Glen Ellyn

Manager of Model Development

Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO