Water Wars

Today, March 2, there is not one major Florida paper covering the water battle between Florida, Alabama and Georgia as their lead story. Every major Georgia paper had some mention of the water shortage on the front page. Yesterday, it was announced that talks between the three states have ceased and that the federal court will be taking it from here.

Georgia residents have had water restrictions imposed on them since last year. And, here is more on Georgia's woes.

South Florida has shown that through persistence and compromise that a solution can be reached. Tampa Bay Water has found solutions for regional water supplies in South Florida.

Another water battle is brewing between North and Central Florida over the St. John's River. There are still many unanswered questions and drama to unfold in this one.

These water battles are happening all over the world. Between communities, states, countries and corporations with no sign of relief.

Global Water Issues
America at War With Itself Over Water
Nestle sues Woolworths over water
Coca-cola and Water - An Unsustainable Relationship
Information by State
1991 Foreign Policy article, "Water Wars"

A new, provocative documentary about water shortages is being screened this year; FLOW: For the Love of Water

Wednesday's story from Democracy Now!, a daily independent radio and TV news program:

Maude Barlow is the head of the Council of Canadians, Canada’s largest public advocacy organization, and founder of the Blue Planet Project. Barlow is author of the new book Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water.

To read, listen to, or watch the whole story here.

Democracy Now! coverage of El Salvador water battle last year:


What can you do?

How much water do you use??
Keep up with the latest on water conservation and usage on the Water Crunch blog.
Stop drinking bottled water:
NRDC Report
5 Reasons Not to Drink Bottled Water
Purchase your own water bottle.

Penn and Teller spot on bottled water: