Unintended Consequences of Water Policy and Law

Abstract

The water cycle including its oceans, surface water, wetlands, water vapor, clouds and groundwater has resulted in a patchwork of statutes and regulations that fail to address true protection of water resources. This is not a simple "fix" and requires Congressional positivism rather than decades of relying on the judicial branch to resolve statutes that are ultimately not designed for true water protection. The unintended consequences of this choice of policy resolution has had profound negative effects on water resources and it is increasingly urgent to address this complex problem and avert a water resources disaster.