How does international water law differ from domestic water law?

International water law and domestic water law generally involve the same fundamental principles, but there are distinct differences between the two. Domestic water law is the base law governing the use of surface and groundwater within a single state or region. This type of law includes the ownership rights of water, the rules for water use, and the enforcement of those rights and rules. Generally, the specifics of domestic water law are left up to individual states or regions to decide and enforce. International water law, on the other hand, covers the use of shared bodies of water between two or more states or countries. This type of law focuses heavily on treaty making and the determination of boundary lines in which water is shared. International water law also deals with transboundary issues such as environmental pollution control and the transfer of water from one basin to another. In Washington, international water law is addressed by the Columbia River Treaty and is primarily enforced by the U.S. State Department. In summary, the main difference between international water law and domestic water law is the scope of the law and who enforces it. Domestic water law deals with the laws and regulations regarding water within an individual state, while international water law focuses on the shared use of water between multiple states or countries. In Washington, international water law is addressed and enforced by the U.S. State Department.

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