Are there any international laws relating to water?
Yes, there are international laws that relate to water rights and water law. In many cases, these laws involve water that is shared between countries, such as rivers or lakes that cross over international boundaries. For instance, the United Nations Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses sets out principles to manage water resources that cross over international boundaries. Specifically, it requires countries to cooperatively and equitably use shared international waters and not to harm other water uses. In the United States, the Interstate Water Compact is an agreement between states that deals with water resources and water rights. This agreement, which is commonly used in the western United States, requires states to share water resources and to agree to a fair use of the water. In Alabama, state law also provides some protection for water resources. For example, the Alabama Water Resources Protection and Planning Act of 1979 regulates water pollution and sets standards for water quality. This Act requires all waters used for domestic, public, or industrial purposes to be wholesome and safe and protective of health, welfare, and property. Additionally, Alabama law requires that water rights be considered a public trust. This means that the state cannot take away water rights except for public use and must protect the rights of individuals and businesses to use a water source.
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