ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: A precise definition of water security should comprise of four elements, the actors, needs, resources and infrastructure, and specific challenges that go with each element. Serving four levels of water security-securing human life, securing human livelihoods, food security, and economic and social developmentrequires sophisticated cooperation of empowered capacities at multiple levels. As a public affair, politicians and national, regional and local governments are key players and adequate negotiations among all users and interests is necessary. The distribution of sufficient infrastructure with adequate financial, technical and human capacity to manage, operate and maintain the systems is also critical. Water security is enmeshed with broader issues of population growth and climate change; nonetheless, successful responses to capacity challenges are possible. Users can be conscious and informed participants; system managers and agencies can be service-oriented and accountable; there can be adequate knowledge and coordination; and water security can be high on the political agenda and everyone’s responsibility.
