Comment by engineer_22

If we could put ourselves in the shoes of the people in charge in these places. We'll probably all agree we as the Government have a vested interest in maintaining social stability. One key to this is maintaining access to potable water. Sick and diseased people won't rebel, but they'll be unable to carry out ordinary functions, you'll be vulnerable to outside forces. In periods of drought access to food is affected, the population might get restless, again, we'll be happier if they're placid so let's make sure water is available. If we know our water system is threatened we'll use any method available to ensure access to water is not interrupted. Seek advice of a soothe-sayer, sacrifice to the gods, take IMF loans, go to war with a neighbor. If none of these things is successful, the situation is dire. The people will become dissatisfied, if they organize and obtain weapons we could see violence. At worst we could lose our heads, or at best flee to a wealthy country but leave behind our power. Therefore, we'll appoint our best people to manage and maintain our water system.