Water Hierarchy: "Water Pressures": Use the Power of Partnerships to Address Local and Global Water Issues

A critical situation is developing at the intersection of class and global water sustainability. Dr. Feldman explores this major world issue through her personal experience of building partnerships between a desert village in Rajasthan, India, and Northwestern University programs and students, along with corporate, government, NGO, and community support. The result was the award-winning TV documentary Water Pressures, which aired globally. The documentary, video clips, and accompanying discussion guide were used nationally and internationally in educational and corporate institutions to spark conversations about the "water haves" and "water have-nots" in the world. The case highlights a college student's trip to rural India to gain perspective on the high-stakes water issues there. Her article about a toilet march was published online by an important advocacy outlet. Her own advocacy caused her to question how active a role outsiders should play in developing solutions to water and sanitation issues in other nations.