Project on Water Security

Improving coherence between U.S. global food security and U.S. global water security policy and programming.

With data-driven research and analysis, the CSIS Project on Water Security presents comprehensive policy solutions to the challenges water insecurity poses to U.S. geopolitical and economic interests, with a special focus on the relationship between global food security and global water security. The CSIS Project on Water Security is supported with the generosity of CSIS Trustee Henrietta Fore and builds upon years of world-class research from CSIS’s Global Food Security Program.

CSIS Project on Water Security Steering Committee Members

Troy Benavidez, LIXIL International
Kate Brauman, Global Water Security Center
Marcela Chacon, Bayer
James Dalton, International Union for Conservation of Nature
Henrietta Fore, UNICEF
J. Carl Ganter, Circle of Blue
Franck Gbaguidi, Eurasia Group
Peter Gleick, Pacific Institute
Hank Habicht III, Water Finance Exchange
Charles Iceland, World Resources Institute
Saroj Khumar Jha, World Bank Group
Saadia Madsbjerg, Formerly Coca-Cola Foundation
Jeff Malcolm, World Wildlife Fund
Elizabeth Marcey, WaterAid America
Peter McCornick, University of Nebraska
Tanvi Nagpal, Tetra Tech
Chuck Podolak, Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona
William Reilly, World Wildlife Fund (Emeritus)
Shaolei Ren, University of California, Riverside
Claudia Ringler, International Food Policy Research Institute
Claudia Sadoff, Formerly CGIAR
Aaron Salzberg, University of North Carolina, Water Institute
Jeff Seabright, Systemiq Ltd.
Kinya Seto, LIXIL International
Thomas Shannon Jr., Arnold & Porter
Lauren Post Thomas, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
Lars Thunell, Spowdi AB
Sera Young, Northwestern University

Featured

Photo: Cebesile Mbonani/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Photo: Cebesile Mbonani/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Building Resilient Water Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa

Water systems in Sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly in crisis. Ensuring a resilient water future for the region requires building not only the hard infrastructure of pipes and valves, but also the soft infrastructure of institutional capacities.

Commentary by David Michel — July 25, 2025

Featured Podcast

Photo: CSIS

Hidden Depths

Hidden Depths is a six-part narrative podcast miniseries exploring the dynamics of water conflict and the possibilities for water cooperation. Join us as we dive into the shared future of this most critical resource. Narrated by David Michel.

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All Project on Water Security Content

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Securing Africa’s Future Water Needs

The CSIS Global Food and Water Security Program launched of a new digital report, "Securing Africa's Future Water Needs," examining the water resource challenges and opportunities facing Sub-Saharan Africa.

Transcript — January 30, 2026

Securing Africa’s Future Water Needs

Sub-Saharan Africa is the world’s most water-insecure region. Its future wellbeing depends on solving its water resource challenges. CSIS examines how governments, service providers, donors, and communities working together can build sustainable water systems.

Digital Report by David Michel — January 29, 2026

Watered Down: A Weakened Global Water Strategy

The US Global Water Strategy reflects longstanding bipartisan commitments to promote safe water services in partner nations. The Trump administration’s radical reductions to foreign aid imperil these goals, making vulnerable populations weaker, poorer, and less secure.

Commentary by David Michel — November 13, 2025

Building Resilient Water Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa

Water systems in Sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly in crisis. Ensuring a resilient water future for the region requires building not only the hard infrastructure of pipes and valves, but also the soft infrastructure of institutional capacities.

Commentary by David Michel — July 25, 2025

Can India Cut Off Pakistan’s Indus River Lifeline?

In retaliation for a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, threatening to block Pakistan’s vital water supplies and risking regional stability in South Asia.

Critical Questions by David Michel — May 1, 2025

Hidden Depths

Protecting Water in Conflict

In this episode of Hidden Depths, host David Michel breaks down necessary steps for protecting water resources in conflict zones.

Podcast Episode by David Michel — April 7, 2025

Photo: CSIS
Hidden Depths

Water Diplomacy and Peacebuilding

Join us for the conclusion of Hidden Depths as we look forward to a cooperative future for this most critical resource.

Podcast Episode by David Michel — April 7, 2025

Photo: CSIS
The Truth of the Matter

Hidden Depths: Water as a Resource and a Weapon

CSIS’s David Michel, senior fellow for water security in the CSIS Global Food and Water Security Program, joins the podcast to discuss global water conflict and the risks that water security poses to U.S. geopolitical and economic interests.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and David Michel — March 25, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter