Access to clean drinking water is widely considered a fundamental human right
But many people, especially those living in urban settings and market economies, face water insecurity, borne of political and economic inequality
Water sharing – defined as the exchange of water among households – is so widespread that is could be regarded as a grassroots practice to ensure a human right to water
Despite its clear importance, however, there’s been little research into the practice
New research in WIREs Water aims to fill this void
This global study highlights a number of factors that appear to shape who shares water with whom, and why
Researchers found that water sharing offers insight into the everyday and, at times, invisible ties that bind people and households to one another
Water sharing isn’t simply a fleeting charitable impulse – the practice depends on specific livelihood strategies, spiritual beliefs and cost/benefit calculations
For example, many cultures have complex institutions that ensure everyone has enough water to meet basic needs
Other cultures share water to uphold religious beliefs and the symbolism of water, such as in Christian baptism and Islamic prayers
This study illuminates how water sharing impacts everything from human exploitation and public health to the potential for alternative economies
Wutich, A., et al. Household water sharing: A review of water gifts, exchanges, and transfers across cultures. (2018) WIREs Water