Reflections on Dr. Kevin Wheeler’s Lecture: Renegotiating an Overallocated Colorado River

This week, the Oxford Water Network had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Kevin Wheeler for an insightful lecture on the renegotiation process for an overallocated Colorado River, as existing agreements governing its use are set to expire in 2026.

Dr. Wheeler explored key concepts of Decision Making under Deep Uncertainty (DMDU) and examined the critical challenges that water managers, policymakers, and stakeholders must address to ensure a sustainable future for the river. The discussion centered around pressing questions that will shape the post-2026 negotiations, including:

• What hydrologic conditions should be considered in future planning?
• How much should water use across the basin be reduced, and how should these shortages be distributed among users?
• How should Lake Mead and Lake Powell be coordinated to maintain stability in the system?
• What proactive conservation strategies could help mitigate the growing challenges of drought and aridification?
• How should Tribal concerns and water rights be incorporated into the process?

With water scarcity, climate change, and competing demands placing immense pressure on the Colorado River, these discussions are more relevant than ever. Dr. Wheeler’s talk provided valuable insights into the complexities of river governance, the negotiations between the seven Basin States, and the importance of adaptive, science-based decision-making.

The event sparked thoughtful discussions among attendees, with many continuing the conversation at the Oxford Water Network’s social networking drinks at King’s Arms. It was fantastic to see such engagement from water professionals across Oxford, reinforcing the importance of collaborative approaches to water management.

A huge thank you to Dr. Wheeler for sharing his expertise and to everyone who joined us for this important conversation. Stay tuned for more upcoming seminars and networking opportunities hosted by the Oxford Water Network!