This special session, organized by AAG President John Agnew, focused on water issues in the regions spanning southern Nevada, southern California, and northern Arizona. Four speakers addressed the theme of water in the American West from a variety of perspectives, illustrating the interconnectedness of human and physical geography as well as the profound significance of water in this region of rapid urbanization and longstanding commercial agriculture. The speakers included Glen MacDonald, Patrica Gober, William E. Rinne, and James Powell. Presented during the AAG Annual Meeting in Las Vegas on March 22, 2009. James Powell's appearance is supported by the Decade of Behavior Distinguished Lecture Program.