The Importance of Professional Governance in the World

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A new general manager was appointed to the Panom Pan Water Authority in Cambodia. The army had not paid its bill for years, but he insisted on getting paid for the water. And when they got connected to the official system, the poorest people of Panom Pan suddenly saw their quality improve and their price drop. "It's based on essentially a guy doing the right thing"

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.