On Wednesday, the town of Vail will hold an event to spotlight in-stream flows and water rights, amid a historically dry year. Bill Hoblitzell, a watershed scientist with Lotic Hydrological, will discuss how water rights are legally and scientifically established in Western Slope rivers and streams, and how they play a role in protecting local economies as well as how they affect the health and vitality of river ecosystems. “It’s really incredible how little water there is in the stream, and without these in-stream flow rights, we would see rivers and creeks drying up in a year like this, just because of how much water we take out of them for irrigation and for other human needs,” said Pete Wadden, watershed specialist for the town of Vail. This event is part of the town’s Lunch with the Locals series, which hosts a guest speaker to discuss a different subject every month. The free event will take place at noon Wednesday at the Grand View Room above the Lionshead Welcome Center and lunch will be provided, according to a recent statement from the town.