Publications, books, articles and resources that explore the disconnect between the right to water and privatization of water, and how revamping water policy can help improve water management and aid in the reduction of poverty.
Books:
Agriculture, Food and Water [PDF]
U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, 2003
Food and agriculture are by far the largest consumers of water, with up to 70 percent of the water we take from rivers and groundwater going into irrigation. Some of the questions discussed in this U.N. FAO publication include: How can food production be made more ef?cient without compromising the environment? What are the contributions from rainfed and irrigated agriculture and from ?sheries? What is the connection between food security and poverty?
Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water
Maude Barlow, 2007
Headlines announce rising oil prices, a global food crisis and threats from climate change, but perhaps the most insidious and still overlooked danger facing us concerns water. The threat is threefold: water scarcity, water pollution and the corporate takeover of the world’s water supplies. These threats are a major part of Maude Barlow’s book Blue Covenant, yet perhaps more important is her description of a global movement to fight these threats – the water warriors around the globe dedicated to water conservation, water justice and water democracy.
Reports:
The Right To Water
Compelling governments to acknowledge that water is a human right is often considered one of the best ways to ensure safe and equitable access to water. This report compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO) discusses the tremendous benefits of a rights-based approach.
Trends in Water Privatization: The Post-Recession Economy and the Fight for Public Water in the United States
Water privatization advocates claim that through privatization of water, distribution of water can become more efficient and inexpensive. Food & Water Watch argues the opposite: that water privatization inhibits the poorest populations’ access to water.
Integrated Solutions to the Water, Agriculture and Climate Crisis
This Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy report proposes multifaceted, global solutions to the water, food and climate crisis. Calling for government action on water and agricultural policies, the report promotes enacting the right to water and recognizing the role of women and children as keepers and users of waterways worldwide.
The Public Works: How the Remunicipalization of Water Services Saves Money
Food & Water Watch published this compelling fact sheet on why water should be a public resource instead of a privately controlled commodity.
Multimedia:
GOOD.is: How Does Lack Of Water Affect Women And Children?
This interactive infographic shows how water scarcity disproportionally impacts women and children in low-income countries.
Updated 06/2014
