On the reluctance of states to enshrine right to water

See Professor Gabriel Eckstein's blog on water issues and his August 3rd posting entitled, "Why do so many governments oppose a human right to water?"  The short answer - governments want to avoid liability and responsibilities that come with enforcement of rights.   Interestingly, we note that at the same time that many companies are coming out ahead of states and advocating for the right to water.  This makes sense as if states have to enforce the right to access water, then they may be forced to turn to the private sector to help them physically realize the goal of providing water to constituents. 

http://internationalwaterlaw.org/blog/ 

2009 Failed States Index and Water

In a recent issue of Foreign Policy Magazine, the Failed States Index compiled by the Fund for Peace and FP examines how climate change is predicted to increase the probability of conflict especially in already unstable or failing states.  Notably, author Stephan Faris argues that water is already undermining stability in Pakistan - water shortages have led to food shortages and the deployment of troops to guard wheat supplies.  The Himalayas provide water for much of southeast Asia and as glaciers melt and volume of runoff decreases, tensions with neighboring India are expected to rise as both countries compete with each other over water - Pakistan vociferously opposes damming and fears that India would dam high mountain waters could lead to conflict. 

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2009/06/22/failed_states_index_the_last_straw 

Nicholas Kristof on "Clean, Sexy Water"

Times Op-Ed columnist Nicholas Kristof profiles the founder of the non-profit organization "charity: water."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/opinion/12kristof.html?_r=2&em