Readings

Chapter 10 is the text discusses water economics which is important for the understanding of water conflicts. Chapter 11 of the text addresses both water conflicts and law/governance. We'll get to issues of conflict in Lesson 10. Focus on gaining background on the origins of water rights, followed by how they are expressed internationally, especially with regard to what the U.N. seeks for water governance among all nations.

With Chapter 11, we are focusing on water law and regulations at the federal level in the U.S. You'll read about protections both historically and under present rules. Focus on the intent of the Clean Water Act. This will lead into the recent water-related cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, especially Rapanos v. United States. Discussion #4 addresses this case and its aftermath.

This brief "white paper" explains some of the issues associated with the Rapanos decision. Additional readings are recommended for those that find these applied aspects of implementing a law fascinating.