On February 27, the 2026 Water Law Symposium brought together practitioners, policymakers, scholars, and students to examine some of the most pressing water issues facing Texas and the American West.
Hosted by the Texas Tech Law Review and the Texas Tech Center for Water Law & Policy, with support from the Texas Produced Water Consortium, the event was led by Amy Hardberger '05, George W. McCleskey Professor of Water Law.
This year’s symposium focused on timely, real-world topics, including legislative and case law updates, rural water supply and data centers, desalination and direct potable reuse, produced water, and emerging technologies aimed at reducing agricultural water use.
A keynote conversation featuring Texas State Senator Charles Perry, Chair of the Texas Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs, provided insight into the policy landscape shaping water infrastructure and long-term planning across the state.
First-year law student Claire Leffingwell described the experience as inspiring:
“Hearing practitioners and scholars discuss contemporary challenges made the field feel both urgent and full of opportunity. This experience reinforced my commitment to pursuing water law.”
By bringing together expert voices to address complex resource challenges, the symposium reinforced Texas Tech Law’s role as a hub for thoughtful dialogue and practical solutions—and a place where the next generation of water law leaders is being trained right here in West Texas.