This volume critically analyses legal issues arising under international law, concerning the consequences of proposed water regulatory changes and their implementation. The book looks at reforms in India in order to ask broader questions about the relevance of international law in national law and policy making.

Dr Philippe Cullet is a Reader in Law at the School of Oriental and African Studies - University of London (SOAS) and Programme Director, International Environmental Law Research Centre (IELRC).

Dr Alix Gowlland Gualtieri is a Research Fellow at the International Environmental Law Research Centre (IELRC).

Roopa Madhav worked with the water law research partnership from 2006 to 2008.

Dr Usha Ramanathan is an independent researcher who works on law, poverty and rights.

1. Introduction, Philippe Cullet, Alix Gowlland-Gualtieri and Roopa Madhav Part 1: Background and Historical Development 2. An Overview of Common Trends in the Water Legislation of Selected Jurisdictions, Andrés Olleta 3. International Aspects of Water Law Reforms, Irina Zodrow 4. Legal Implications of Trade in 'Real' and 'Virtual' Water Resources, Alix Gowlland-Gualtieri 5. The Role of the World Bank in Water Law Reforms, Andrés Olleta Part 2: Water Law Reforms in India 6. Context for Water Sector and Water Law Reforms in India, Roopa Madhav 7. Institutional Reforms for Water, Priya Sangameswaran and Roopa Madhav 8. Drinking Water Reforms, Philippe Cullet 9. Legal Regime Governing Groundwater, Sujith Koonan 10. Law and Policy Reforms for Irrigation, Roopa Madhav Part 3: Human Rights, Social, Health and Environmental Aspects 11. International Human Rights Aspects of Water Law Reforms, Alix Gowlland Gualtieri 12. Water Sector Reforms and Principles of International Environmental Law, David Takacs 13. Water, Health and Water Quality Regulation, Sujith Koonan and Adil Hasan Khan 14. Final Remarks, Philippe Cullet, Alix Gowlland-Gualtieri and Roopa Madhav