Consider the following reasoning: Whenever there is a plan to divert part of the fl ow of some river to supply other areas with water, this rightly raises objections from those who will ‘lose’ the...

Consider the following reasoning:

Whenever there is a plan to divert part of the fl ow of some river to supply other areas with water, this rightly raises objections from those who will ‘lose’ the water. It is absurd to expect the ‘losers’ to stand idly by while a sizeable proportion of their water fl ows away so that others may benefi t in some distant place. Fresh water is a natural resource in the same sense that crude oil and iron ore are natural resources. Does Saudi Arabia give away its crude oil? Does Russia give away its iron ore? Why should those who are threatened with losing part of their water supply be expected to view their natural resources any differently? If development in other areas is limited by lack of water, it should stay that way. (Adapted from the Law School Admission Test, December 1985, D 18) Is water like oil and iron ore? What are the implications of your answer?