by Melody Landeros

Created on: August 23, 2009   Last Updated: September 11, 2009

In order to avoid armed conflict, water treaties may provide the resolution. The United States - Mexican Water Treaty of 1944 is a classic example of where rights over major waterways, in this case, the Rio Grande River were assigned and agreed. The issue of these water rights reappeared with the emergence of NAFTA when Texas farmers threatened law suits against the Government of Mexico for failure to abide by the treaty, as Mexican farmers began to utilize more water to the detriment of American farmers.

The United States shares another such treaty with Canada over the quality and water usage of the Great Lakes. The Canada United States Boundary Waters Treaty was signed in 1909 and as water usage and water quality become greater concerns for both countries, perhaps Canada and the United States will serve as the basis for all nations to follow that wish to protect the water quality and to evaluate and address new threats to water.

Other nations are seeking water treaties to address how the division and protection of water resources. During the 1990s more than fifty new water agreements were signed in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America. Many of these agreements contain provisions for the settlement of disputes that may arise in the enforcement of water rights. While more action is required for enforcement and regulation of these treaties, these treaties also recognize the need for world attention in monitoring water for usage, quality and threats.

While war may be the ultimate act to defend the water rights of people, there are other types of conflict that occur with water such as conflicting goals, data presented and general mistrust between nations. Conflicting goals emerge with the construction of dams and other water retention collections requiring a balance between water need, environmental impact, and the displacement of individuals residing in the construction area. Data accuracy on water threats is questionable and leads to delays in threat resolution.

In areas where a general mistrust has existed between nations, water treaties and rights may escalate into struggles that require the monitoring of the world to help ensure disputes are resolved diplomatically. Poor water management and escalating drought conditions are a combination for disaster and possible armed conflict. Treaties and world courts may help deflect this volatile situation.

The challenge to change attitudes about water starts with people followed by governments and water treaties. People believe water will always be available in massive quantities. The mindset does not allow for people to realize water is a life sustaining commodity and must be preserved. If people would realize that every drop is priceless and to conserve, not waste, perhaps the whisper of the threat of war would evaporate

http://www.uswaternews.com/archives/arcglobal/4repod elv11.html

http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/St-Ts/Transboundary -Water-Treaties.html

http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/Ce-Cr/Conflict-and- Water.html

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