Publications

Privatizing Water, Water and Development

Hommes, L., Veldwisch, G.J., Harris, L.M. and Rutgerd Boelens. (2019). Evolving connections, discourses and identities in rural–urban water struggles. Water International 44(2): 243-253. DOI: 10.1080/02508060.2019.1583312 Preprint PDF of the article here.

The Legal Geographies of Water Claims: Seawater Desalination in Mining Regions in Chile

Campero, C. and Harris, L.M. (2019). The Legal Geographies of Water Claims: Seawater Desalination in Mining Regions in Chile. Water 11: 886. DOI: 10.3390/w11050886 Preprint PDF of the article here.

Water is Medicine: Reimagining Water Security through Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Relationships to Treated and Traditional Water Sources in Yukon, Canada.

Indigenous Water Governance, Water in Canada, Water Security

Wilson, N.J., Harris, L.M., Joseph-Rear, A., Beaumont, J. and Satterfield, T. (2019). Water is Medicine: Reimagining Water Security through Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Relationships to Treated and Traditional Water Sources in Yukon, Canada. Water 11(3): 624. https://doi.org/10.3390/w11030624 Preprint PDF of the article here.

Bibliography: Governance of Small Drinking Water Systems

SWS Bibliography

Small systems, big challenges: Review of small drinking water system governance.

http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/full/10.1139/er-2018-0033.

Abstract:

Small drinking water systems (SDWS) are widely identified as presenting particular challenges for drinking water management and governance in industrialised nations because of their small customer base, geographic isolation, and limited human and financial capacity. Consequently, an increasing number and range of scholars have examined SDWS over the last 30 years. Much of this work has been technocentric in nature, focused on SDWS technologies and operations, with limited attention to how these systems are managed, governed, and situated within broader social and political–economic contexts. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the governance dimensions of SDWS by drawing together existing literature relating to SDWS governance and exploring its key themes, research foci, and emerging directions. This overview is intended to provide guidance to scholars and practitioners interested in specific aspects of SDWS governance and a baseline against which researchers can position future work. The review identified 117 academic articles published in English-language journals between 1990 and 2016 that referred to some aspect of drinking water governance in small, rural, and Indigenous communities in industrialised nations. The articles’ content and bibliographic information were analysed to identify the locations, methods, journals, and themes included in research on SDWS governance. Further analysis of SDWS’ governance dimensions is organised around four questions identified as central to SDWS research: what governance challenges are experienced by SDWS, and what are their causes, solutions, and effects? Overall, the review revealed that the SDWS governance literature is piecemeal and fragmented, with few attempts to theorise SDWS governance or to engage in interdisciplinary, cross-jurisdictional conversations. The majority of articles examine North American SDWS, retain a technocratic orientation to drinking water governance, and are published in technical or industry journals. Such research tends to focus on the governance challenges SDWS face and proposed solutions to systems’ performance, capacity, and regulatory challenges. A small but growing number of studies examine the causal factors underpinning these governance challenges and their socio-spatially differentiated impacts on communities. Looking forward, the review argues for a more holistic, integrative approach to research on SDWS governance, building on a water governance framework.

Keywords: Small Water Systems, Drinking Water, Governance, Rural, Indigenous, Literature Review

Free Download (limited quantities):

McFarlane, K. and L. Harris (2018). “Small systems, big challenges: Review of small drinking water system governance.”Environmental Reviews.https://doi.org/10.1139/er-2018-0033

Lessons From The EU Approach To Governing Small Drinking Water Systems

Lessons From The EU Approach To Governing Small Drinking Water Systems

Link to report:

Water and Indigenous rights: Mechanisms and pathways of recognition, representation, and redistribution

Jackson, S. E. (2018). “Water and Indigenous rights: Mechanisms and pathways of recognition, representation, and redistribution.”

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water.

Household water sharing: a missing link in international health

Stoler, J, A. Brewis, L. Harris, A. Wutich, A.L. Pearson, A.Y. Rosinger, R.C. Schuster, S.L. Young (2018) Household water sharing: a missing link in international health. International Health. https://doi.org/10.1093/intlhealth/ihy094

Water Scarcity Beyond Crisis: Spotlight on Accra

Peloso, M., C. Morinville and L. Harris. (2018). Water Scarcity Beyond Crisis: Spotlight on Accra. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research.

Developing new urban water supplies: Investigating motivations and barriers to groundwater use in Cape Town

Water in Canada, Water Security

E. Luker and L. Harris. (2018). Developing new urban water supplies: Investigating motivations and barriers to groundwater use in Cape Town. International Journal of Water Resources Development.

Small systems, big challenges: Review of small drinking water system governance

K. McFarlane and L. Harris (2018). Small systems, big challenges: Review of small drinking water system governance. Environmental Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1139/er-2018-0033

Household Water Sharing: A review of water gifts, exchanges, and transfers across Cultures

Wutich, A., J. Budds, W. Jepson, L. M. Harris, E. Adams, A. Brewis, L. Cronk, C. DeMyers, K. Maes, T. Marley, J. Miller, A. Pearson, A. Y. Rosinger, R. C. Schuster, J. Stoler, C. Staddon, P. Wiessner, C. Workman, and S. Young. (2018). Household water sharing: A review of water gifts, exchanges, and transfers across cultures. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water 5 (6):e1309.

Hybrid regulatory landscapes: The human right to water, variegated neoliberal water governance, and policy transfer in Cape Town, South Africa and Accra Ghana

Community Based Research, Water and Development

Yates, J. and L. Harris. (2018). Hybrid regulatory landscapes: The human right to water, variegated neoliberal water governance, and policy transfer in Cape Town, South Africa and Accra Ghana. World Development 110: 75 – 87.

Critical Video Engagements: Emotions, subjectivity and changing narratives of water resources through participatory video

Tremblay, C. and L. Harris. (2018). Critical Video Engagements: Emotions, subjectivity and changing narratives of water resources through participatory video. Geoforum 90: 174-1.

Water Materialities and Participatory Governance: Implications of water quality and access for participatory engagement in Accra Ghana and Cape Town, South Africa

Harris, L., D. Kleiber, S. Yaylaci, L. Rodina, J. Goldin. (2018). Water Materialities and Participatory Governance: Implications of water quality and access for participatory engagement in Accra Ghana and Cape Town, South Africa. Society and Natural Resources. 31, 1: 89-105 [S, LH as 40% contributor].

WATER ETHICS, JUSTICE, AND EQUITY IN SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS CONSERVATION: LESSONS FROM THE QUEENSLAND WILD RIVERS ACT

Uncategorized, Water and Development

Shah, S.H., Rodina, L. (2018). Water ethics, justice, and equity in social-ecological systems conservation: lessons from the Queensland Wild Rivers Act. Water Policy 20(3)

LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD FOR METRO MANILA’S IMPOVERISHED HOUSEHOLDS

Torio C, P.(2018). Leveling the playing field for metro Manila’s impoverished households. Water Policy 20(3)

Abstract

Metro Manila’s water privatization is one of the world’s largest and longest-running privatization programs for a water utility. While traditional efficiency metrics show significantly improved service levels under this schema, local anti-privatization activists maintain that the program does not benefit the urban poor. Assessments from an equity lens offer a fresh perspective, using information from a consumer survey of 53,733 residential households, privatization reports, and field interviews. Results show that access and affordability remain critical concerns for impoverished urban households despite major service improvements. Philippine policy makers must address these twin concerns in order to ensure a level playing field for these vulnerable households.

Advancing methods for research on household water insecurity: Studying entitlements and capabilities, socio-cultural dynamics, and political processes, institutions and governance

News, Water Security

Amber Wutich, Jessica Budds, Laura Eichelberger, Jo Geere, Leila M. Harris, Jennifer A. Horney, Wendy Jepson, Emma Norman, Kathleen O’Reilly, Amber L. Pearson, Sameer H. Shah, Jamie Shinn, Karen Simpson, Chad Staddon, Justin Stoler, Manuel P. Teodoro, Sera L. Young. (2017). Advancing methods for research on household water insecurity: Studying entitlements and capabilities, socio-cultural dynamics, and political processes, institutions and governance. Water Security, 2.

Highlights

• Existing approaches have advantages, but underestimate household water insecurity
• HWI methods must address economic, socio-cultural, and political processes
• Hard-to-measure dimensions of HWI can be assessed with methods we present

PATHWAYS FOR PARTICIPATORY WATER GOVERNANCE IN ASHAIMAN, GHANA: LEARNING FROM INSTITUTIONAL BRICOLAGE AND HYDROSOCIAL PERSPECTIVES

News, Water and Development

Peloso, M. M. & Harris, L. M (2017). Pathways for Participatory Water Governance in Ashaiman, Ghana: Learning from Institutional Bricolage and Hydrosocial Perspectives. Society & Natural Resources 30(12). Preprint PDF of the article here

WATER MATERIALITIES AND CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT: TESTING THE IMPLICATIONS OF WATER ACCESS AND QUALITY FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN GHANA AND SOUTH AFRICA

Harris, L.M., Kleiber, D., Rodina, L., Yaylaci, S., Goldin, J. & Owen, G. (2017). Water materialities and citizen engagement: testing the implications of water access and quality for community engagement in Ghana and South Africa. Society & Natural Resources 31(1):89-105. Preprint PDF of the article here

IMPROVING WATER QUALITY WITH NOVEL DIAGNOSTICS POLICY BRIEF OF THE WATERSHED METAGOMICS GE3LS TEAM

Harris, L.M., Prsytajecky, N. et al. (2017). Improving Water Quality with Novel Diagnostics. Policy Brief of the Watershed Metagenomics GE3LS team. Program on Water Governance Policy Brief. Preprint of the policy brief here

Scientists at universities and public health institutions across Canada, including the BC Centers for Disease Control Public Health Laboratory, are using metagenomics to study the microbial communities in the water in order to develop new tests to assess water quality. Metagenomics has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of how perturbations in these microbial communities are linked to water quality with ramifications for drinking water and other applications. Although chemical pollution is not a focus of the current research, the state of these microbial communities can also indicate whether chemical or other contamination has occurred (e.g., temperature or other biophysical changes also shift the composition and function of these microbial communities).

Compiled by:

GE3LS Research Team: Dr. Leila Harris and Dr. Natalie Prystajecky (CoChairs), Dr. Natalie Henrich, Dr. Bev Holmes, Dr. Karen Bakker, Gemma Dunn, Ida Ngueng Feze, Dr. Yann Joly, Prof. Bartha Knoppers, Stanislav Birko, Edward S. Dove, Dr. Vural Ozdemir. Watershed Metagenomics

Project leaders: Dr. Patrick Tang and Dr. Judith Isaac-Renton

University of British Columbia, June 16, 2017

Water, Equity and resilience in South Africa: future directions for research and practice

Rodina, L., Baker, L.A., Galvin, M., Goldin, J., Harris, L.M., Manungufala, T., Musemwa, M., Sutherland, C., Ziervogel, G. (2017). Water, Equity and resilience in South Africa: future directions for research and practice. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 26-27, 143-151. Preprint PDF of the article here.

Advancing Human Capabilities for Water Security: A relational approac

Jepson, W. E., J. Budds, L. Eichelberger, L. Harris, E. Norman, K. O’Reilly, A. Pearson, S. Shah, J. Shinn, C. Staddon, J. Stoler, A. Wutich, S. Young (in press, 2017). Advancing Human Capabilities for Water Security: A relational approach. Water Security.

Negotiated Resilience. Resilience

Harris, L.M., Chu, E., Ziervogel, G.. (2017). Negotiated Resilience. Resilience. DOI: 10.1080/21693293.2017.1353196. Preprint PDF of the article here.

Worlding the Intangibility of Resilience: The case of rice farmers and water- related risk in the Philippines

Shah, S., N. Angeles, L. Harris (2017) Worlding the Intangibility of Resilience: The case of rice farmers and water- related risk in the Philippines. World Development. Preprint PDF of the article here.

Framing a Community’s Entitlement to Water access in Accra, Ghana

Dapaah, E., and L. Harris (2017) Framing a Community’s Entitlement to Water access in Accra, Ghana: A complex reality. Geoforum. 82, 26-39.

Governing transboundary waters: Canada, the United States and indigenous communities

Norman, E.S. (2015) Governing transboundary waters: Canada, the United States and indigenous communities. New York, Routledge.

Bringing together politics of coloniality and indigenous struggles for territorial, cultural and resource rights with water politics at the US-Canada border, this work makes significant conceptual and policy relevant contributions. Skillfully weaving diverse narratives, experiences, and moments of relevance for Indigenous communities on both sides of the border, the book makes for an inspiring read that explores key debates for contemporary water governance. – Karen Bakker and Leila Harris, Co-Directors, Program on Water Governance, University of British Columbia, Canada.

All of the water that is in our reserves and that is in our territories is ours”: Colonial and indigenous water governance in unceded indigenous territories in British Columbia

Harris, L. Simms, R. (2016). “All of the water that is in our reserves and that is in our territories is ours”: Colonial and indigenous water governance in unceded indigenous territories in British Columbia. Project Report. Canadian Water Network & Water, Economics, Policy and Governance Network. French version available here.

The main findings of this research and insights for decision makers are summarized in a policy brief, available in English and French.

Navigating the tensions in collaborative watershed governance: Water governance and indigenous communities in British Columbia, Canada

Simms, R., Harris, L., Joe, N., and Bakker, K. (2016). Navigating the tensions in collaborative watershed governance: Water governance and indigenous communities in British Columbia, Canada. Geoforum, 73: 6-16. An open access version of this article is available here.

Indigenous water governance in British Columbia and Canada: Annotated bibliography

Simms, R. (2015). Indigenous water governance in British Columbia and Canada: Annotated bibliography. Vancouver, BC: UBC Program on Water Governance.

Indigenous Knowledge of Hydrologic Change in the Yukon River Basin: A Case Study of Ruby, Alaska

Wilson, N.J., Walter, M.T., and Waterhouse, J. 2015. Indigenous Knowledge of Hydrologic Change in the Yukon River Basin: A Case Study of Ruby, Alaska. ARCTIC 68, 93–106. doi:10.14430/arctic4459

Indigenous water governance: Insights from the hydrosocial relations of the Koyukon Athabascan village of Ruby, Alaska

Wilson, N.J. (2014). Indigenous water governance: Insights from the hydrosocial relations of the Koyukon Athabascan village of Ruby, Alaska. Geoforum 57, 1–11. doi:10.1016/j.geoforum.2014.08.005

Indigenous Peoples and Water Governance in Canada: Regulatory Injustice and Prospects for Reform

Bakker, K., L. Harris, N. Joe, and R. Simms. (In press 2017). “Indigenous Peoples and Water Governance in Canada: Regulatory Injustice and Prospects for Reform.” In Water Justice, ed. R. Boelens et al., Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

PERSPECTIVES ON THE BC WATER SUSTAINABILITY ACT: FIRST NATIONS RESPOND TO WATER GOVERNANCE REFORM IN BC

Joe, N., Bakker, K., Harris, H. (2017). Perspectives on the BC Water Sustainability Act: First Nations Respond to Water Governance Reform in British Columbia. Vancouver, BC: Program on Water Governance. Preprint PDF of the article here

Briefing Note.

Comparative Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Site C versus Alternatives

Press Release for above publication.

Hendriks, R., Bakker, K. (July 2016) Comparative Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Site C versus Alternatives. Vancouver, BC: Program on Water Governance.

First Nations and Site C (Briefing Note)

Site C Statement by Concerned Scholars (2016). First Nations and Site C (Briefing Note). Vancouver, BC: Program on Water Governance.

Assessing Alternatives to Site C -Environmental Effects Comparison (Briefing Note)

Site C Statement by Concerned Scholars (2016). Assessing Alternatives to Site C -Environmental Effects Comparison (Briefing Note). Vancouver, BC: Program on Water Governance.

The Regulatory Process for the Site C Project (Briefing Note)

Site C Statement by Concerned Scholars (2016). The Regulatory Process for the Site C Project (Briefing Note). Vancouver, BC: Program on Water Governance.

Recent developments in Canadian water policy: An emerging water security paradigm

Norman, Emma S., Karen Bakker, Gemma Dunn. 2011. Recent developments in Canadian water policy: An emerging water security paradigm. Canadian Water Resources Journal. 36(1), 53-66.

Canadian Approaches to Assessing Water Security: an Inventory of Indicators

Dunn, Gemma and Karen Bakker (2009). Canadian Approaches to Assessing Water Security: an Inventory of Indicators (Policy Report). Vancouver, BC: UBC Program on Water Governance.

Water Security: A Primer

Emma Norman with Karen Bakker, Christina Cook, Gemma Dunn and Diana Allen (March 2010). Water Security: A Primer (Policy Report). Vancouver, BC: UBC Program on Water Governance. (Note: This document represents the first formulation of our Water Security Assessment Framework, which has since been refined and updated).

Version française: La sécurité hydrique: Guide d’introduction

Water Alternatives

Special Issue – Water Alternatives
Themed Section: Water Governance and the Politics of Scale
Guest Editors: Emma Norman, Christina Cook and Karen Bakker

Introduction to the Themed Section: Water governance and the politics of scale
Emma Norman, Karen Bakker and Christina Cook
Water Alternatives 5(1): 52-61 Abstract | Full Text – PDF

The politics of scaling water governance and adjudication in New Mexico
Eric P. Perramond
Water Alternatives 5(1): 62-82 Abstract | Full Text – PDF

Toward post-sovereign environmental governance? Politics, scale, and EU Water Framework Directive
Corey Johnson
Water Alternatives 5(1): 83-97 Abstract | Full Text – PDF

State development and the rescaling of agricultural hydrosocial governance in semi-arid Northwest China
Afton Clarke-Sather
Water Alternatives 5(1): 98-118 Abstract | Full Text – PDF

Restructuring and rescaling water governance in mining contexts: The co-production of waterscapes in Peru
Jessica Budds and Leonith Hinojosa
Water Alternatives 5(1): 119-137 Abstract | Full Text – PDF

Cultural politics and transboundary resource governance in the Salish sea
Emma Norman
Water Alternatives 5(1): 138-160 Abstract | Full Text – PDF

Parcelling out the watershed: The recurring consequences of organising Columbia river management within a basin-based territory
Eve Vogel
Water Alternatives 5(1): 161-190 Abstract | Full Text – PDF

Water Security: Debating an emerging paradigm

Cook, C., and Bakker, K. (2012). Water Security: Debating an emerging paradigm. Global Environmental Change, 22(1): 94-102. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2011.10.011

Water Security Guidance Document

Dunn, Gemma (ed.) (2012). Water Security Guidance Document. Vancouver, BC: UBC Program on Water Governance.

Water Security: Research Challenges and Opportunities. Science

Bakker, K. (2012). Water Security: Research Challenges and Opportunities. Science, 33(6097): 914-915. DOI: 10.1126/science.1226337

Water Security: Principles, Perspectives and Practices

Water Security: Principles, Perspectives and Practices

Edited by Bruce Lankford, Karen Bakker, Mark Zeitoun, Declan Conway

The purpose of this book is to present an overview of the latest research, policy, practitioner, academic and international thinking on water security—an issue that, like water governance a few years ago, has developed much policy awareness and momentum with a wide range of stakeholders. As a concept it is open to multiple interpretations, and the authors here set out the various approaches to the topic from different perspectives.

Key themes addressed include:
·         Water security as a foreign policy issue
·         The interconnected variables of water, food, and human security
·         Dimensions other than military and international relations concerns around water security
·         Water security theory and methods, tools and audits.

The book is loosely based on a masters level degree plus a short professional course on water security both given at the University of East Anglia, delivered by international authorities on their subjects. It should serve as an introductory textbook as well as be of value to professionals, NGOs, and policy-makers.

For more details see http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415534710/

Canadian Water Security Assessment Framework: Tools for Assessing Water Security and Improving Watershed Governance

Bakker, K. and Allen, D. (2015). Canadian Water Security Assessment Framework: Tools for Assessing Water Security and Improving Watershed Governance (End-User Report). Waterloo, ON: Canadian Water Network.

A comparative analysis of current microbial water quality risk assessment and management practices in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada

Dunn, G., Harris, L. Cook, C. and Prystajecky, N. (2014). A comparative analysis of current microbial water quality risk assessment and management practices in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada. Science of the Total Environment 468-469: 544-552.

The main findings of this research and insights for policy makers and practitioners are summarized in this policy brief.

Features of institutions and governance processes that enable efficient, effective and equitable water management

McFarlane, K., Harris, L. and Bakker, K. (2014). Features of institutions and governance processes that enable efficient, effective and equitable water management. Vancouver, BC: UBC Program on Water Governance.

Regional surface and groundwater management and governance study: Review of North American case studies

McFarlane, K., Harris, L. and Bakker, K. (2014). Regional surface and groundwater management and governance study: Review of North American case studies. Vancouver, BC: UBC Program on Water Governance.

Microbial risk governance: Challenges and opportunities in Canada

Dunn, G., Harris, L. and Bakker, K. (2015). Microbial risk governance: Challenges and opportunities in Canada. Canadian Water Resources Journal, 40(3): 237-249. [Open Access]

Indigenous water governance in British Columbia and Canada: Annotated bibliography

Simms, R. (2015). Indigenous water governance in British Columbia and Canada: Annotated bibliography. Vancouver, BC: UBC Program on Water Governance.

Navigating the tensions in collaborative watershed governance: Water governance and indigenous communities in British Columbia, Canada

An open access version of this article is available here.

WHOSE INPUT COUNTS? PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND THE WATER SUSTAINABILITY ACT POLICY BRIEF

Jollymore, A., McFarlane, K. & Harris, L.M. (2016). Whose input counts? Public consultation and the Water Sustainability Act. Policy Brief. Vancouver: Program on Water Governance. Preprint PDF of the policy brief here

All of the water that is in our reserves and that is in our territories is ours”: Colonial and indigenous water governance in unceded indigenous territories in British Columbia

Harris, L. & Simms, R. (2016). “All of the water that is in our reserves and that is in our territories is ours”: Colonial and indigenous water governance in unceded indigenous territories in British Columbia. Project Report. Canadian Water Network & Water, Economics, Policy and Governance Network. French version available here.

The main findings of this research and insights for decision makers are summarized in a policy brief, available in English and French.

MULTIPLE ONTOLOGIES OF WATER: POLITICS, CONFLICT AND IMPLICATIONS FOR GOVERNANCE

Yates, J., Wilson, N., Harris, L. (2017). Multiple Ontologies of Water: Politics, Conflict and Implications for Governance. Environment and Planning D: Society and Space 35(5): 797–815.

Whose input counts? Evaluating the process and outcomes of public consultation through the BC Water Act Modernization

Jollymore, A., McFarlane, K., Harris, L. (2017). Whose input counts? Evaluating the process and outcomes of public consultation through the BC Water Act Modernization. Critical Policy Studies, in press.

The accepted manuscript of the published article is available here. A policy brief, summarizing the key messages and implications for decision makers from this article is available here.

Human Right to Water: Contemporary Challenges and Contours of a Global Debate

Mirosa, O. and Harris, L. (2011). Human Right to Water: Contemporary Challenges and Contours of a Global Debate. Antipode 44(3): 932-949.

Contemporary Water Governance in the Global South: Scarcity, Marketization and Participation

New book out: Harris, L., Goldin, J., Sneddon, C. (2013). Contemporary Water Governance in the Global South: Scarcity, Marketization and Participation. Routledge, London. Order your copy here.

This book focuses on three major concepts and approaches that have gained currency in policy and governance circles, both globally and regionally—scarcity and crisis, marketization and privatization, and participation. It provides a historical and contextual overview of each of these ideas as they have emerged in global and regional policy and governance circles and pairs these with in-depth case studies that examine manifestations and contestations of water governance internationally.

The business of water: Market environmentalism in the water sector

Bakker, K. (2014). The business of water: Market environmentalism in the water sector. Annual Review of Environment and Resources 39: 469-494.

Participation, politics, and panaceas: exploring the possibilities and limits of participatory urban water governance in Accra, Ghana

Morinville, C. & L.M. Harris (2014). Participation, politics, and panaceas: exploring the possibilities and limits of participatory urban water governance in Accra, Ghana. Ecology and Society 19 (3): 36.

A summary of the key messages and implications for decision makers from this article is available here.

A Political Ecology of Women, Water and Global Environmental Change

New book out: Buechler, S. and Hanson, A-M. S. (2015). A Political Ecology of Women, Water and Global Environmental Change. Routledge, London.

This edited volume explores how a feminist political ecology framework can bring fresh insights to the study of rural and urban livelihoods dependent on vulnerable rivers, lakes, watersheds, wetlands and coastal environments. Bringing together political ecologists and feminist scholars from multiple disciplines, the book develops solution-oriented advances to theory, policy and planning to tackle the complexity of these global environmental changes. The text includes a foreword by Dr. Leila Harris.

Intersections of gender and water: comparative approaches to everyday gendered negotiations of water access in underserved areas of Accra, Ghana and Cape Town, South Africa

Harris, L., Kleiber, D., Goldin, J., Darkwah, A. & Morinville, C. (2016) Intersections of gender and water: comparative approaches to everyday gendered negotiations of water access in underserved areas of Accra, Ghana and Cape Town, South Africa. Journal of Gender Studies: 22pp.

The survey instruments used in this study can be accessed here for the survey conducted in Cape Town, South Africa, and here for the survey conducted in Accra, Ghana.

Water services, lived citizenship, and notions of the state in marginalised urban spaces: The case of Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa

Rodina, L. and Harris, L. (2016). Water services, lived citizenship, and notions of the state in marginalised urban spaces: The case of Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa. Water Alternatives 9(2): 336-355.

Human right to water in Khayelitsha, South Africa – Lessons from a ‘lived experiences’ perspective

Rodina, L. (2016). Human right to water in Khayelitsha, South Africa – Lessons from a ‘lived experiences’ perspective. Geoforum, 72: 58-66.

The Politics of Freshwater: Access, Conflict and Identity

Harris, L. (in press). Theorizing Gender, Ethnic Difference and Inequality in Relation to Water Access and Politics in Southeastern Turkey. In: C. Ashcraft and T. Mayer (Eds) The Politics of Freshwater: Access, Conflict and Identity, Routledge, Earthscan.

A pre-publication version of the chapter is available here.

Inserting Rights and Justice into Urban Resilience: a Focus on Everyday Risk

Ziervogel, G., Pelling, M., Cartwright, A., Chu, E., Deshpande, T., Harris, L., Hyams K., Kaunda J., Klaus B., Michael, K., Pasquini, L., Pharoah, R., Rodina, L., Scott, D., Zweig, P. (in press, 2017). Inserting Rights and Justice into Urban Resilience: a Focus on Everyday Risk. Environment and Urbanization.

Achieving Water Conservation: Strategies for Good Governance (Policy Report)

Furlong, K. & K. Bakker (2008). Achieving Water Conservation: Strategies for Good Governance (Policy Report). Vancouver, BC: UBC Program on Water Governance & Infrastructure Canada. This document is the second policy report to result from the project and follows from the Canada-wide research phase of the project.

Good Governance for Water Conservation: A Primer

Furlong, K., C. Cook & K. Bakker (2008). Good Governance for Water Conservation: A Primer. Vancouver, BC: UBC Program on Water Governance & Infrastructure Canada. This primer present a ready guide to the policy consideration stemming from the project research.

Version française: Bonne gouvernance pour la conservation de l’eau: Guide d’introduction.

Workshop Report: Sustainable Water Infrastructure Management in Canada

Gardner, J. & Furlong, K. (2008). Workshop Report: Sustainable Water Infrastructure Management in Canada Workshop held May 5th, 2008 at the Peter Wall Institute, UBC. Vancouver, BC: Program on Water Governance and Infrastructure Canada.

Workshop Report: Sustainable Water Infrastructure Management in Canada

Good Governance for Municipal Water Conservation: An Annotated Bibliography

Cook, C. & K. Furlong (2008). Good Governance for Water Conservation: An annotated bibliography. Vancouver, BC: UBC Program on Water Governance & Infrastructure Canada. This annotated bibliography present a ready guide to key research in the area of municipal water conservation policy and practice.

Governance and sustainability at a municipal scale: The challenge of water conservation

Furlong, K. and K. Bakker (2010). Governance and sustainability at a municipal scale: The challenge of water conservation. Working Paper: Manuscript submitted to Canadian Public Policy.

The contradictions of “Alternative” Service Delivery: Governance, Business Models, and Sustainability in Municipal Water Supply

Furlong, Kathryn and Karen Bakker (2010). The contradictions “Alternative” Service Delivery: Governance, Business Models, and Sustainability in Municipal Water Supply. Working Paper: Manuscript submitted to Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy vol. 28 issue 2.

The Idea of Sewage as a Resource: An Introductory Study of Knowledge and Decision Making in Liquid Waste Management in Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada

Morales, M. and Öberg, G. (2012). The Idea of Sewage as a Resource: An Introductory Study of Knowledge and Decision Making in Liquid Waste Management in Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada. Vancouver, BC: Program on Water Governance.

Water Management at UBC

Klein, D.R., G. Ebrahimi, L. Navilloz, B. Thurm, & G. Öberg (2014). Water Management at UBC. Background report for the project: Would it make sense to develop an integrated resource management strategy for UBC, using a water lens? Vancouver, BC: Program on Water Governance.

Click here for a web-based version of the report.

The notion of sewage as waste: a study of infrastructure change and institutional inertia in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Vancouver, Canada

Öberg, G., M.G. Merlinsky, A. LaValle, M. Morales & M.M. Tobias (2014). The notion of sewage as waste: a study of infrastructure change and institutional inertia in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Vancouver, Canada. Ecology and Society 19 (2): 19.

Leaky governance: Alternative service delivery and the myth of water utility independence

Furlong, K. (2016) Leaky governance: Alternative service delivery and the myth of water utility independence. Vancouver, UBC Press.

About the Book: Municipalities face important water supply challenges. These are widely attributed to local government politicization. Neoliberal reforms have only exacerbated the strained relationships between water utilities and local governments. In response, organizational reform to increase utility autonomy through alternative service delivery (ASD) has been promoted around the world. For its proponents, ASD offers independence from municipal government without relinquishing control over the utility; for its detractors, it is privatization under another name. Yet the organizational barriers offered by ASD are at best leaky. Deeply interdependent, both water management and municipal governance must be strengthened to meet contemporary water supply needs.

Leaky Governance explores ASD’s relation to neoliberalization, water supply, and local governance. Drawing on economic geography and political ecology, Kathryn Furlong examines organizational models for water supply and how they are affected by shifting governance and institutional environments. Her analysis of Ontario paints a complex picture of both ASD and municipal government.

Leaky Governance addresses urgent and topical questions in urban governance and water management, tackling increasingly pressing environmental, political, and social issues surrounding water supply and their relationship to urban governance and economics, as well as to broader issues in public policy.

For further information and a time-limited discount, see the attached flyer.

Transboundary Groundwater Governance: An Annotated Bibliography

Norman, Emma and Karen Bakker. Oct. 2004 Transboundary Groundwater Governance: An Annotated Bibliography.

Local Stakeholders Governing Water across the 49th Parallel

Norman, Emma and Karen Bakker. (2007) “Local Stakeholders Governing Water across the 49th Parallel.” Bellingham, WA: Border Policy Research Institute: Western Washington University, 2007. 1-4. Vol. 2.

Local Canada – U.S. Transboundary Water Governance: Issues, Drivers and Barriers

Norman, Emma and Karen Bakker. (2007). Local Canada – U.S. Transboundary Water Governance: Issues, Drivers and Barriers. (Briefing Note). Vancouver, BC: Program on Water Governance.

Hidden Waters: Transboundary Environmental Management across the 49th Parallel

Norman, Emma S. and Jean O. Melious. 2008. “Hidden Waters: Transboundary Environmental Management across the 49th Parallel.” Border Bio-Regions and Coastal Corridors: Transnational Policy Challenges in Western North America. University of Calgary Press. Editors Don Alper, Chad Day, and James Loucky. 195-218.

Transgressing Scales: Transboundary Water Governance across the Canada – U.S. Border

Norman, Emma S. and Bakker, Karen, 2009. “Transgressing Scales: Transboundary Water Governance across the Canada – U.S. Border.” Annals of the Association of American Geographers. 99 (1): 99 – 117.

Governing Water across the Canada-U.S. Borderland

Norman, Emma and K. Bakker. (2010). “Governing Water across the Canada-U.S. Borderland” in Borders and Bridges: Navigating Canada’s International Policy Relations in a North American Context. Oxford: Oxford University Press, editors Geoffrey Hale and Monica Gattinger. 194-212.

Flashpoints and Collaboration: How problems can inspire innovative solutions for Canada, the US, and the governance of shared waters

Norman, Emma, Cohen, Alice, and Bakker, Karen (eds) (2012). Flashpoints and Collaboration: How problems can inspire innovative solutions for Canada, the US, and the governance of shared waters (Report June 2012). Vancouver: Program on Water Governance.

Water Without Borders? Canada, the United States and Shared Waters

Norman, E.S., Cohen, A.C., and Bakker, K. (2013) Water Without Borders? Canada, the United States and Shared Waters. University of Toronto Press.

Water without Borders? is designed to help readers develop a balanced understanding of the most pressing shared water issues between Canada and the united states. the contributors explore possible frictions between governance institutions and contemporary management issues, illustrated through analyses of five specific transboundary water “flashpoints.” the volume offers both a historical survey of transboundary governance mechanisms and a forward-looking assessment of new models of governance that will allow us to manage water wisely in the future.

Governing transboundary waters: Canada, the United States and indigenous communities

Norman, E.S. (2015) Governing transboundary waters: Canada, the United States and indigenous communities. New York, Routledge.

This book explores how colonial politics impact water governance – particularly for Indigenous communities spanning international borders. The book examines the cultural politics of ‘transboundary water governance’ in a postcolonial context and highlights how Indigenous-led efforts are reframing water governance and politics. The hopeful cases provide insight into the power of reframing water governance by and for Indigenous Peoples.

Endorsement: Bringing together politics of coloniality and indigenous struggles for territorial, cultural and resource rights with water politics at the US-Canada border, this work makes significant conceptual and policy relevant contributions. Skillfully weaving diverse narratives, experiences, and moments of relevance for Indigenous communities on both sides of the border, the book makes for an inspiring read that explores key debates for contemporary water governance. – Karen Bakker and Leila Harris, Co-Directors, Program on Water Governance, University of British Columbia, Canada.

For more information, or to purchase a copy of this text, visit http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415838597/

WORLDING THE INTANGIBILITY OF RESILIENCE: THE CASE OF RICE FARMERS IN A WATER-STRESSED REGION OF THE PHILIPPINES

Shah, S.H., Angeles, L.C., & Harris, L.M. (2017). Worlding the intangibility of resilience: The case of rice farmers in a water-stressed region of the Philippines. Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 400-412. Preprint PDF of the article here.

FRAMING A COMMUNITY’S ENTITLEMENT TO WATER ACCESS IN ACCRA, GHANA: A COMPLEX REALITY

Dapaah, E.K., Harris, L.M. (2017). Framing a Community’s Entitlement to Water access in Accra, Ghana: A complex reality. Geoforum 82: 2-39. Preprint PDF of the article here.

WATER, EQUITY AND RESILIENCE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA: FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR RESEARCH AND PRACTICE

Rodina, L., Baker, L.A., Galvin, M., Golden, J., Harris, L.M., Manungfala, T., Musemwa, M., Sutherland, C., & G. Ziervogel (2017). Water, equity and resilience in Southern Africa: future directions for research and practice. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 26-27: 143-151. Preprint PDF of the article here.

WATER ACCESS IN UNDERSERVED AREAS OF ACCRA, GHANA AND CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA 2012 SURVEY REPORT

Harris, L., L. Rodina, E. Luker, A. Darkwah & J. Goldin. (2016). Water Access in underserved areas of Accra, Ghana and Cape Town, South Africa. 2012 Survey Report. The University of British Columbia, Institute of Resources, Environment and Sustainability. Preprint PDF of the article here

WATER EQUITY AND RESILIENCE WORKSHOP

Luker, E., Rodina, L., & Harris, L.M. (2016). Water Equity and Resilience Workshop, Stellenbosch, South Africa, August 24-26, 2016. Preprint PDF of the article here

INSTITUTIONAL AND POLICY MAPPING OF THE WATER SECTOR IN SOUTH AFRICA

Beck, T., L. Rodina, E. Luker & L. Harris. (2016). Institutional and Policy Mapping of the Water Sector in South Africa. The University of British Columbia, Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability. Preprint PDF of the article here

INSTITUTIONAL AND POLICY MAPPING OF THE WATER SECTOR IN GHANA