Levy and Sidel Respond

Abstract

We thank Harhay for his thoughtful comments. We agree with his warning that water scarcity also affects wealthier countries, including the United States.1 As we stated in our editorial, laws and regulations, proactive cooperation, and mediation and arbitration are important approaches to resolve water conflicts before they boil over. Many examples of implementing these approaches exist in the United States, including the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, the mission of which is to “enhance, protect, and conserve the water and associated land resources of the Potomac River and its tributaries through regional and interstate cooperation.”2 Among the factors that contribute to water scarcity is climate change,3 which will likely cause increasing water scarcity as a result of drought and flooding. The Natural Resources Defense Council predicted in 2010 that by midcentury one of every three US counties will face a greater risk of water shortage as a result of global warming.4 By substantially limiting greenhouse gas production, wealthier countries could reduce some of the water scarcity that they cause. We also agree that greater efforts should be made to help countries striving to attain Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Target 7C: “Halve, by 2015, the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation” (available at: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals). Achievement of this goal is linked to achieving other MDGs, including MDG 1: “Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger” (because access to water directly impacts poverty and food security); MDG 3: “Promote gender equality and empower women” (because access to water affects the social and economic capital of women); MDG 7: “Ensure environmental sustainability” (because, for example, adequate treatment of wastewater reduces pressure on freshwater resources); and MDG 8: “Develop a global partnership for development” (because reducing water scarcity requires international cooperation).5–7 The United States and other wealthy countries have the power and obligation to help poorer countries achieve these goals and to prevent water conflicts before they boil over.