Who may use scarce water? An expedition into the normative basis of sustainable decision-making norms for sustainable water use

Abstract

Water is becoming an increasingly contested resource. Today, the sustainability of water use is assessed with different indicator frameworks that usually refer to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or other norms. Classifying international norms and the subsequent indicators for assessment according to their legitimacy will increase the practical relevance of assessment results. The classification will enable addressees to differentiate between mandatory obligations in water management and additional more ambitious targets for decisions on sustainable water distribution. This study presents 11 standards for sustainable water distribution which have been classified based on legitimacy and specificity. A literature review identified relevant international norms that were subsequently classified. Suggestions for the implementation of the standards and priorities in assessment methods are discussed. Through the new set of standards, assessment results can transparently be communicated to policymakers, NGOs and business and support them to identify their obligations for sustainable water use. Highlights Compiled standards can be used by decision-makers for the spatial assessment of the sustainability of water use.; Classification of norms according to legitimacy and specificity points to governmental actors where further operationalization is needed to implement and monitor sustainable water use.; In competing situations, water allocation between environment and food production remains unsolved.;

Keywords

• assessment
• international standards
• legitimacy
• sustainability
• water distribution
• water governance