In this episode, Kristina Ribellia sits down with Jessica Kuchan of Confluence Law and Ben Lee of Landau Associates, co-chairs of the 3rd Annual Water Law in Eastern Washington Conference, to offer a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s event.

Together, they explore the key issues shaping water management in Eastern Washington and how the conference is designed to bring the right people into the room across legal, technical, and operational roles to move conversations forward.

More than an agenda preview, this episode underscores the power of connection, shared perspective, and practical insight in a rapidly evolving water landscape.

Secure your spot with early bird registration. We look forward to seeing you May 27–28 in Spokane!
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Western Water Market is proud to partner with conference sponsors Landau Associates, Confluence Law, and the Spokane County Bar Association to bring you an exclusive early bird opportunity for the 3rd Annual Water Law in Eastern Washington Conference.

Register by May 15, 2026, and receive a complimentary 6-month listing on Western Water Market (a $453 value).

Expand your reach, generate more exposure, and better serve your clients with this free listing on Western Water Market.

Register Now ➜

Get the Show Notes ➜

In much of the West, the era of permitting new water rights is behind us. The future depends on how we manage, move, and collaborate around the limited water resources that have been allocated.

Join Kristina Ribellia and Tom Tebb, one of Washington State's most highly regarded water professionals, for a candid conversation on the leadership and initiatives that are shaping the future of water in Washington and beyond.

Tom reflects on his career and contributions as the former Director of the Department of Ecology’s Office of Columbia River, the mindset and approaches that are making some of the region’s most ambitious water projects possible, and the principles that guide effective, long-term solutions.

Kristina and Tom discuss the evolution of water marketing in Washington, lessons learned from major initiatives like the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan and the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program, and what recent drought conditions reveal about the urgency of collaborative, forward-looking water resource planning.

They also explore Tom’s new chapter as Principal of Tebb & Associates, where he continues to advise on water rights and water resource strategies, planning, and problem-solving.

At its core, this episode is about how trust, relationships, and steady leadership make lasting water solutions possible.

Visit the full show notes here:
https://westernwatermarket.com/podcast-episode/18

Join host Kristina Ribellia, Western Water Market’s Founder, and Anna Maletzke, Western Water Market’s Marketing Manager as we go behind the scenes of our recently launched market experience. Western Water Market’s new and improved platform is more user friendly (and beautiful!), making it easier than ever to connect water right buyers, sellers, and water rights professionals in communities across the West.

After years of learning and engaging with our community, this new enhanced experience reflects our continued commitment to helping create a more open and efficient water market in the West. And we hope you love it as much as we do.

Tune in and learn more!

Experience the new Western Water Market platform here →

Join host Kristina Ribellia for a sip sesh with Katherine Taiclet of Landau Associates. With over 20 years of experience in Washington’s water world—including roles with the Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and American Water Resources Association (AWRA) Washington Section board—Katherine brings a wealth of knowledge to this conversation from her home base in Grant County.

In this episode, Kristina and Katherine highlight several timely and important events you won’t want to miss. They also take a closer look at a major achievement in regional water management: the completion of Lateral 86.4, a key milestone in the completion of the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program (OGWRP). This project has transitioned 5,426 acres from deep-well irrigation to Columbia River surface water through the Columbia Basin Project—the largest irrigation system in the western United States. As a result, 16 groundwater wells have been taken offline, conserving an estimated 16,143 acre-feet—roughly 5.3 billion gallons—of water each year from the depleted Odessa Subarea Aquifer.

Don’t miss this essential conversation about these upcoming events and exciting updates in the Columbia Basin!

Get the full show notes here:
https://westernwatermarket.com/podcast-episode/16

Nearly 380 Columbia River water right holders are at risk of their water getting shut off when the next Columbia River drought is declared in Washington state. Are you one of them?

Join host Kristina Ribellia as she sits down with Heather Hazlett and Scott Turner from Washington State Department of Ecology’s Office of Columbia River, along with Dan Haller, PE, CWRE of Aspect Consulting, A Geosyntec Company. Together, they unpack Ecology’s groundbreaking Columbia River Drought Insurance Program—a forward-thinking initiative designed to support those affected by Columbia River drought declarations.

In this insightful discussion, our guests break down what happens when Washington state declares a drought on the Columbia River, how often these declarations occur, and who is most impacted. More importantly, they dive into how this innovative insurance program can help water right holders manage the risks of curtailment and safeguard their access to water.

Don’t miss this essential conversation. Tune in to discover what this means for you and the proactive steps you can take to prepare for future Columbia River droughts.

Get the show notes here: https://westernwatermarket.com/podcast-episode/15

Are you in need of buying or selling water rights? Join Kristina Ribellia, Western Water Market’s founder and president as she reflects on several water right transactions that she has been involved with over the last 5 years. Kristina provides invaluable insights to help you manage expectations and provides tips and tricks to help you move through your water right sale or purchase more efficiently.

Plus, get the latest on what Kristina has been up to, from sharing Selah-Moxee Irrigation District’s Surplus Water Rights Auction results to her work on the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program.

Get the full show notes on Western Water Market at:
https://westernwatermarket.com/podcast-episode/14

Greenland is home to 10% of the world's freshwater. Some of which is now listed for sale on Western Water Market. Join Thomas Schumann, global expert, thought leader, and founder of Project Greenland as he shares fascinating details about this new water source that is becoming available for domestic, agricultural, hydropower, commercial, and industrial uses in the West. From water quality to logistics, Thomas provides a candid glimpse into this rare opportunity “for people, planet, and profit.”

Get the full show notes on Western Water Market at:
https://westernwatermarket.com/podcast-episode/13

Join Kristina Ribellia and Kelsey Collins as they dive into recent activities and updates involving one of the most valuable water rights tools in the West: Washington State’s Trust Water Rights Program.  

The Trust Water Rights Program, which protects water rights from relinquishment while retaining their original priority date, fell under close scrutiny after a 2019 Seattle Times article left the public and Legislature with pointed questions.  As a result of the Department of Ecology’s swift and thoughtful response, we now have better informed and engaged stakeholders, increased transparency, helpful guidance, and sound recommendations to continue creating win-wins for water users and streamflows across the state.  Get the details first-hand from Kelsey Collins.

Kelsey Collins is the Statewide Trust Water Coordinator and Water Acquisitions Lead for the Washington State Department of Ecology's Water Resources Program. Her duties include facilitating Ecology's water right acquisitions and policy support for the Trust Water Rights Program.

Get the full show notes on Western Water Market at:
https://westernwatermarket.com/podcast-episode/12