The book unfolds in three parts: an introduction to key terms and water law, case studies of water disputes from regions like the Colorado River Basin and the Atacama Desert, and a synthesis of lessons learned with policy recommendations.
By integrating historical analysis, legal scholarship, and environmental justice principles, Water Rights provides a nuanced perspective, demonstrating how legal frameworks are shaped by political interests and environmental impacts vary across social groups. It avoids simplistic solutions, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of water allocation and its importance for sustainability.