Influence of Climate Variability on the Market Price of Water in the Gila-San Francisco Basin

Emerging water markets in the western United States have slowly developed as usage patterns have changed over time. This article develops an econometric model for the Gila-San Francisco Basin. Results indicate the market price of water has risen in response to drought and market conditions. Analysis shows a statistically significant relationship between the price and quantity of water transferred, year the transaction occurred, location where the transaction occurred, new use of the water right, and whether the transaction occurred during a drought year. Using the Standard Precipitation Index, we find negotiated prices are higher during dry years.