In Scotland, which is run by one large utility called Scottish water, they've introduced what they call retail competition. They're trying to unbundle the monopoly into the pieces that will allow competition and that's been quite a success in Scotland and it's been adopted in England now. I make an osmond's very happy, I think. The grand old man is looking smiling. Yeah, my guest today has been David atlin David. His book is living with water scarcity. Thanks so much for being part of econ talk.
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.