18: Legacy, Leadership & Collaborative Water Solutions with Tom Tebb

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