The Stream, September 4: Global Tensions Over Shared Water

Global Tensions over Shared Water
Tanzania and Malawi have agreed not to escalate their dispute over Lake Nyasa, where both nations claim water rights. Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete stated this weekend that his nation will not enter into war with Malawi over the border dispute, and will continue to seek diplomatic ends to the debate, reported AllAfrica.

Tensions are rising between Laos and downstream riparian neighbors Vietnam and Cambodia over a dam project along the Mekong river, reported Al Jazeera English.

The government of New Zealand is still embroiled in a legal dispute with Maori tribe over the sale of a majority stake in hydropower companies. Maori representatives claim the sale would breach the treaty that legitimizes Maori claims to water and land rights, BusinessWeek reported.

U.S. Water News
New Orleans’ new $14.5 billion flood control system succeeded in keeping residents safe from Hurricane Isaac, Reuters reported. Remnants of the storm moved east past Louisiana this weekend.

Major U.S. environmental organizations officially endorsed President Obama’s re-election campaign. The groups include Clean Water Action, Environment America, League of Conservation Voters, and the Sierra Club, reported the Washington Post.

Android app mWater, invented by a former NASA engineer, is designed to track water quality at its source over time, according to Reuters.

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