We were talking about carbon, but water is worthy of discussion. The particular case you mentioned is more to my mind a hidden Fossil Fuel Subsidy.
The water rights issue will get it turn in the barrel and it has already begun. "If all water was owned by the public," what actually does that mean?
You said all water, do you mean all of these:
Ground water
Surface water
Rainwater (snow and ice pack)
Treated wastewater
Ocean water
You said the public, do you mean:
All people
the people of a country
the people of a state
the people of a town, tribe or city
Exactly which public jurisdiction should own which kind of water.
If the people own the water, how do they decide what to do with the water.
Do you think I should have a say in the distribution of water in foreign countries?
No, I am not happy when people waste water or pollute it. If someone buys water, what obligation do you think they should have regarding its use?
TEK