The Diamond Water Paradox

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Many cities handle water very, very differently in terms of how it's priced and how it's delivered. We're going to start with the developed countries and how they treat water then we'll move on to the undeveloped or developing or poorer countries. So I want to take some extremes around the world and see the contrast.

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.