Title: Economics of water resources management : first progress report. May 1991 Report 18
Author: J.A. Rees
Author: S.D. Trotter
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
This is the first report for a project which aims to assess the potential role of market mechanisms in the allocation and development of water resources by the NRA. The project as a whole includes analysis of both the demand side of water use, including the value in use of water for different consumers, and the supply side, especially the disaggregation of the costs of the NRA itself. There is also a particular focus on the problems of over abstracted catchments, the costs imposed by supply unreliability and the demand for improved supply security. Attention in this preliminary report is focused on two main areas, the theoretical princples applicable to water resources management and a review of the existing charges schemes inherited by the NRA. The report has an introduction and five main chapters. The first two substantive chapters take efficiency as the goal and review the basic economic principles, outline the resulting ideal tariff structures, and highlight the problems in their implementation. Also considered is the use of less traditional market based allocation methods such as tradeable permits. In Chapter 4 a
multi objective approach is taken so that efficiency is no longer the only criterion for assessing the potential of market mechanisms. Chapter 5 reviews experience overseas. Chapter 6 is a critical appraisal of the NRA's existing schemes, including some suggestions as to how they might be brought into line with the principles discussed earlier.
Publisher: National Rivers Authority
Publication Date: 1991
Publication Place: Bristol
Subject Keywords: Water resources; Economics; Water management; Water abstraction; Market prices
Extent: 94
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:4029
Total file downloads: 301
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