Close this Advertisement

Environmental Protection Blog

Blog archive

Inalienable Water Rights

You can buy water rights with land in Nevada, but do you think that would be a sound investment? Depends on what you want to do with it.

The state's Department of Agriculture is serious about protecting its estimated $1 billion agriculture industry and the necessary water to irrigate crops and sustain livestock. So a farm or a ranch in Nevada may have some potential.

But these days, you really should consider the availability of water and your right to it wherever you go and whatever you do.

At WEFTEC.09 earlier this month, water industry leaders alluded to the "right" to water. Dr. Mike Magee, a physician who has made a second career educating others about the importance of water, says all human beings need it, but it is in short supply and, of course, it needs to be safe. Or, clean enough not to make many people sick. But is this a right?

Although it wasn't spelled out ─"citizens have a right to water"  when the 13 U.S. states declared their independence, I think the right to life and water being essential for that is inalienable and really belongs to everyone (not just the U.S.) because we are all "equal." Right? Wrong.

There's no equality with water in the real world. I eat red meat, which is a water intensive food, while people in some poorer nations eat vegetarian because they don't have the water to raise beef. I have access to plenty of water (think more than 12 minutes in the shower) and it is clean. Magee pointed out that many women have to walk miles to get a drink and that half of the beds in poorer nations are filled with patients experiencing some form of waterborne disease. Sometimes they die from it.

Can we make us more equal? Do U.S. citizens need to rethink their water rights or should we help people in other lands achieve theirs? Maybe a bit of both. What do you think?

Posted by L.K. Williams, EPonline on Oct 20, 2009 at 12:43 PM


Comments

Mon, Oct 26, 2009 Ca

There needs to be a better overall water management plan, including major conservation measure tax credits for cisterns, and grey water systems. We let too much runoff go into the oceans during our rain seasons, when it could be captured. And, all new growth must be halted until reliable water supply is found to feed that growth. Agriculture needs to be put on a high priority for water. We have formerly fertile valleys that are now dust bowls because of water cut backs. Our economy is sucking air, and has been for some time. We can have industry, growth, a good environment, but we must be smart about it. Water rights should be negotiated by nonpartisan commissions made up of farmers, scientists, ecologists, fisheries experts, and citizens. NO POLITICIANS, DEVELOPERS, or LAWYERS. Then we will get somewhere reasonable.

Fri, Oct 23, 2009 Fred

Water is the source of life. For those of us who live in drought stricken areas, we are at the mercy of this dwindling resource. A governing body must secure and promote the preservation of such a vital resource for its citizens. Los Angeles DWP, in a private/public partnership now offers its customers a rain water harvester to minimize stormwater runoff and help lower outdoor water demand. We can not yet control weather patterns, and our consumption exceeds supply, so who is going to set us on the right course?

Thu, Oct 22, 2009 Straightpath Los Angeles, Ca.

The founders of our republic were wise when they included the Bill of Rights as part of the Constitution. The government cannot take any property with out due process. Water rights have been taken in a variety of due process transactions, some of them unfair. The United States has been the most generous nation in the history of the world, giving away both treasure and lives to protect the lives of other in foreign lands, often with no gratitude. I am sure will will continue to give, far beyond the rest of the world as that is who we are. Yet, this must never be compelled. Countries should be enable to generate their own clean water, with skills, abilities, seed monies, and diplomatic pressure to realign laws to promote justice, preservation of private property rights, and individual rights. I firmly reject the concept of "citizens have a right to....:" and fill in the blank with your favorite right. This appears to be another form of the "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need" of Marx. The communist countries where this has been tried are among the least liveable countries in the world.

Add your Comment

Your Name:(optional)
Your Email:(optional)
Your Location:(optional)
Comment:
Please type the letters/numbers you see above