[m1911]

Fresh water isn't distributed equally on the planet, or in proportion to population. Who controls it and how is already a huge problem in the (mostly) peaceful American west. The government is already stepping in to pick winners, i.e. the rice farmers, the article is proposing a different, market based way of dividing a resource.

[Democratic_Machiavelli]

I was getting that impression. I have relatives who farm out in the western US. They do it as a hobby now because there's really no profit in it unless you're part of agribusiness. Part of the way they made money during an off-year was to sell their water rights. Don't remember if they sold them to the government, or to other farmers.

Beyond the idea of water markets, I don't see anything new in this article. Thanks for the summary though. I have a cold today and can't think too clearly.