In recent years, a broad set of national and international water issues has begun to receive significant attention at all levels of society, from leaders at the United Nations to local communities in the United States and around the world. In part, this is due to a growing understanding of the complex interconnections between water and almost every other major issue of the day, including energy, climate, economic development, environmental health, and peace and security. The media and policymakers are increasingly focusing on water supply disputes, water quality problems, natural disasters, and privatization.