High and Dry: The Texas-New Mexico Struggle for the Pecos River

by G. Emlen Hall

Focusing on the political and legal battles for water rights, this book traces the 20-year history of Texas v. New Mexico . But it doesn't stop there. The book also considers the significance of water, and this river especially, in an arid region. It examines the river's environmental, scientific, and social aspects. Hall teaches law at the University of New Mexico. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

291 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jim]

Q: How does one make a multi-year lawsuit between two states about water policy exciting? A: You don't. And that's what makes this book such a good read.

I'm used to devouring books rather quickly, but I also love water policy & water politics, so I quickly figured out that this book is, to use an old saying, like a fine wine--you must sip it. I'd read a few passages about this battle between New Mexico and Texas, ponder them for a couple of days, and then read some more. Another love of mine are compacts between states, and in this book I learned so much about the Pecos River Compact.

So, will this book, for most readers of it, take a long time to read? Most likely, yes. Is it worth the time? Absolutely yes.