The concept of sustainable development appeared almost twenty years ago, adapting traditional policies to new circumstances, and promoting progress capable of satisfying the necessities of both present and future generations. It is widely believed that the need for a proper and sustainable management of water will be a problem which will confront society in the 21st century. In this publication, the main political aspects are successively developed, including the EU Water Framework Directive, the globalization and privatization of fresh water and the case of the new Australian structure for...