The Importance of Safe Drinking Water

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3 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. The contaminated water is the leading cause of death as far as I recall, around the world. In a lot of situations, young girls are sent off, sent off to get water for the household. They might be walking a couple kilometers and may be raped on the way.

David Zetland of Leiden University College in the Netherlands and author of Living with Water Scarcity talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the challenges of water management. Issues covered include the sustainability of water supplies, the affordability of water for the poor, the incentives water companies face, and the management of water systems in the poorest countries. Also discussed are the diamond and water paradox, campaigns to reduce water usage, and the role of prices in managing a water system.