ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with aspects which often escape the debate of integrated water resources management (IWRM) including water accounting, water footprint, virtual water (food) trade, green water (rainwater stored in the soil as soil moisture), blue water (surface water and groundwater), water pollution, environmental externalities and the 'intangible' values involved in the efficient water allocation, equitable distribution at an appropriate scale. The IWRM approach has been internationally accepted as the way forward for efficient, equitable and sustainable development and management of the world's limited water resources and for coping with conflicting demands. Water governance goals are invariably underpinned by ethical values – which may be different from country to country – or among different social groups or interest groups. After analysing these elements, the chapter concludes that a better understanding of the ethical values behind the water policy and decisions could contribute to the overarching goal of water and water-related food security through better integrated water resources management.
