Economics of Water Resources: From Regulation to Privatization - Natural Resource Management and Policy v. 3 (Hardback)

This text develops a general economic model which integrates the quantity and quality issues of water resource management and provides, along with a detailed criticism of the policy instruments now in use, alternative proposals concerning the efficient allocation and distribution of water. In particular the authors treat water as a multi-product commodity where the market plays a major role in determining water quality-discriminant pricing and its value to the user. The book examines the process of moving from administrative allocation and regulation to privatization of the water industry as the key element in promoting effective competition and in providing economic incentives for greater efficiency. The book is divided into four major parts. The first presents the analytical framework within which the main issues in the management of water resources are examined. The second part focuses on water-quality modelling and the analysis of quantity-quality controls and water distribution. Part three examines instruments of public policy and the regulations enacted for water resources management. The fourth part presents the overall conclusions. The book is designed for all students of environmental problems, as well as for professionals involved in water-resources allocation and in pollution-abatement programs at both planning and management levels. It can also be used in graduate courses in water resource management, environment management, economics of natural resources, and planning, as well as as a basic reference work on water resources and on the management of natural resources in general.