January 16, 2023

How to evaluate water risk factors

Farmers in the West are facing increased water-related risks as the demand for water increases and the supply is variable or decreasing, according to water expert Darren Fillmore.

Fillmore is the agricultural water resource director at WestWater Research, a Boise-based economic consulting firm specializing in water market research, pricing and trading.

Competition for reliable water supplies is intensifying, pushing up prices, said Fillmore, while prices for less reliable supplies are dropping.

Farmers often need to know the value of a water right, whether they are buying or selling land or temporarily transferring water. One factor that influences water’s value is its risk level. At a session during the Land Investment Expo in Des Moines this week, Fillmore shared tips with farmers on how to evaluate water risk.

Read the full Capital Press article here.

Learn more about Darren and his work at WestWater.

fillmore@waterexchange.com

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Water-Use Efficiency
  • Agricultural Hydrology
  • Flow Monitoring
  • Project Management

EDUCATION

  • M.S., Irrigation Engineering, Utah State University, 2007
  • B.S., Biological Engineering, Utah State University, 2007

EXPERIENCE

  • Chief Water Engineer & Chief Project Manager, SWIIM System, Ltd., 2015-2021
  • Senior Program Manager, Imperial Irrigation District, 2010-2015
  • Irrigation Engineer, Imperial Irrigation District, 2007-2010
  • Irrigation Engineering & Agronomy Research Technician, Utah State Extension Service, 2003-2006