Should the use of water by farmers be regulated?

The fact that water is a finite resource means that there is need for its use to be controlled, to allow future generations to obtain the same benefits. In developing countries the problem with absence of control has lead to the water authorities failing to provide proper services. The Zimbabwe water authority can be given as an example based on the following link http://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=507.... This hence affects the availability as the treatment and rehabilitation of water bodies as the finances will not be available.

On the other hand regulation that is not coming from the communities should not be imposed but discussed with the communities. While traveling in Zimbabwe i was involved in a debate as to why rural communities should pay for a well they dug on their properties. Discussing further i realised that the problem was not paying but the way in which the communities were made to pay for the water, this showed that there was no explanation to the communities and hence a top down approach that leave the people on the ground suffering hence not allowing regulations implemented to fail.

In conclusion i feel that there is need to have regulations for their use but the introduction should be in such a way that involves the communities. Also programs in schools should be introduced that will promote awareness for children as they grow up.

Yes, it should be regulated, and if possible the concept of "Virtual Water" should come into play.