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What is water equity? The unfortunate consequences of a global focus on 'drinking water'

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  • Matthew Goff
  • Ben Crow

Abstract

In recent years, 'equity' has become a goal of water governance. Yet, the indices and policy guidelines for household water, published by the WHO and UNICEF and adopted globally, focus on either 'drinking water' or a limited interpretation of the 'human right to water'. We examine ideas of equity in household water and argue that the dominant focus on improving the potability of water has muted attention to the wider consideration of domestic water and its impact on livelihoods and poverty. A focus on the many capabilities enabled by domestic water illuminates some of these issues.

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  • Matthew Goff & Ben Crow, 2014. "What is water equity? The unfortunate consequences of a global focus on 'drinking water'," Water International, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(2), pages 159-171, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rwinxx:v:39:y:2014:i:2:p:159-171
    DOI: 10.1080/02508060.2014.886355
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    1. Mehta, Lyla, 2001. "The Manufacture of Popular Perceptions of Scarcity: Dams and Water-Related Narratives in Gujarat, India," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 29(12), pages 2025-2041, December.
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    5. Gimelli, Francesco M. & Bos, Joannette J. & Rogers, Briony C., 2018. "Fostering equity and wellbeing through water: A reinterpretation of the goal of securing access," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 1-9.
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    9. Gazzeh, Karim & Abubakar, Ismaila Rimi, 2018. "Regional disparity in access to basic public services in Saudi Arabia: A sustainability challenge," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 70-80.
    10. Karina Vink, 2014. "Transboundary water law and vulnerable people: legal interpretations of the 'equitable use' principle," Water International, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(5), pages 743-754, September.
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