• PowerShares Water Resources (PHO: 21.74, +0.26 (+1.21%))
• First Trust ISE Water (FIW: 23.02, +0.23 (+1.01%))
• Claymore S&P Global Water (CGW: 23.02, +0.12 (+0.52%))

PHO has hit highs of over $22 as the largest water ETF with over 2 billion in assets under management. FIW and CGW however have had a rough time but I do like them as a longterm holding. It is a simple move, all these ETFs are down YTD but water is scarce in the long run, in my opinion this is a solid buying opportunity. The companies these ETFs hold are set to receive great business as more and more people realize how grave our water issues can get. ETFs are diversified well over the utilities, bottlers, filtration, and pipeline entities that are set to explode. Do not be discouraged by the poor YTD performance if you are here for a LONGTERM enviromental play.

If you are looking for a specific company, General Electric (GE: 28.36, +0.09 (+0.32%)) is committed to reducing water usage and has entered a joint venture to provide water filtration and management solutions. GE which has seen a lackluster year is providing investors with great buying opportunities as a leader in industry and in my opinion solid longterm growth prospects with their ecofriendly products.

Longterm investors should look at water and consider the long term opportunities present for companies involved in this business. I do not expect immediate gains with the current economic enviroment paired with the lack of urgency for proper water management. If you are unsure about this play, Pickens’ forsight should provide some guidance as the world faces not just energy problems, but problems with many of it’s natural resources.