Go with the Flow: A Proactive Solution to Preserving the Aquifer

This episode of Show Cause focuses on a forward-thinking solution to the conservation and future use of the Mid-South's greatest natural resource, the Middle Claiborne Aquifer. In the groundbreaking ruling in Mississippi v. Tennessee, the Middle Claiborne Aquifer was declared an interstate body of water, similar to the Great Lakes and the Colorado River, both of which have extensive agricultural, recreational, and commercial uses across several states. This episode's special guest is University of Memphis Law School alum Phill Ruston (JD '24), who recently published an article titled, "Protecting the Middle Claiborne Aquifer and Other Interstate Groundwaters Through Interstate Compact" in Volume 54, Book 2, of the University of Memphis Law Review.Phill looks at how our our aquifer now needs, in light of that ruling, the aquifer needs multi-state regulation and demonstrates that an interstate compact, rather than the standard equitable apportionment, is the most effective solution in preserving this natural resource for the future.

From potential future use as an agricultural hub, to conservation efforts and even the region's drinking water source, Phill lays out why it is important to have states work together NOW in order to best protect this vital resource for future generations.