Chapter X.22: Water jurisdiction: on federalism, river basins, metropolises, and communities

The chosen boundaries to govern water resources have evolved over time and vary across space. Rather than being mere formalities, the drawing of legal boundaries for jurisdiction greatly impact societies, as they determine who has access to water and under what conditions, and who has the authority to make decisions involving water resources. Nevertheless, the importance of the delimitation of water jurisdiction is frequently underestimated or misunderstood. This chapter provides an overview of the role of federalism, river basin management, and metropolitan governance in shaping water jurisdiction, and therefore water laws and water governance.