Economics of Water: Rules and Institutions

This open-access textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to economic approaches and mathematical methods for studying water allocation and distribution problems. It discusses central issues in integrated water resource management, water tariffs, water markets, and transboundary water management, and develops a modern perspective on water management by illustrating the interplay between the hydrological cycle and the rules and institutions that govern water allocation policies. It also assesses the political and ethical dimensions of water management and its institutional embeddedness, making it appealing to advanced undergraduate and graduate students of economics and engineering, as well as practitioners in the water sector.

Format: Hardback
Length: 301 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2020
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive open-access textbook offers a concise yet thorough introduction to economic approaches and mathematical methods for analyzing water allocation and distribution challenges. Written in a clear and accessible style, it delves into key issues in integrated water resource management, water tariffs, water markets, and transboundary water management. By illustrating the intricate interplay between the hydrological cycle and the rules and institutions governing contemporary water allocation policies, the authors provide a modern perspective on water management. Furthermore, the book conducts an in-depth examination of the political and ethical dimensions of water management, exploring distribution issues and the enforcement of human rights in water resource management. Given its broad scope, this textbook is designed to appeal to advanced undergraduate and graduate students of economics and engineering, as well as practitioners in the water sector, who seek a deeper understanding of economic approaches to water management.

Introduction:
The study of water allocation and distribution is a crucial aspect of managing our finite water resources effectively. Economic approaches and mathematical methods play a vital role in addressing these complex problems. This open-access textbook aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to these approaches and methods, making them accessible to a wide range of readers, including students, researchers, and practitioners in the water sector.

What You'll Learn:
In this textbook, you will gain a solid understanding of economic approaches to water management. You will explore the principles and theories behind water allocation, pricing, and trading, as well as the tools and techniques used to analyze and solve water allocation problems. You will also learn about the mathematical models and algorithms employed to simulate water systems and optimize water distribution.

Key Topics:
The textbook covers a wide range of key topics in water allocation and distribution, including:

• Integrated water resource management: This topic explores the coordination and management of water resources across different sectors, such as agriculture, industry, and urbanization. It discusses the principles and practices of water allocation, pricing, and trading, as well as the role of institutions and policies in promoting sustainable water use.
  


• Water tariffs: Water tariffs are used to regulate water use and promote efficient water management. The textbook discusses the design and implementation of water tariffs, including the factors that influence their effectiveness and the potential impacts on water users and society.
  


• Water markets: Water markets are emerging as a popular mechanism for allocating water resources. The textbook discusses the characteristics and operation of water markets, including the types of water rights and transactions that occur, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with their development.
  


• Transboundary water management: Transboundary water resources are shared by multiple countries or regions. The textbook discusses the principles and practices of transboundary water management, including the negotiation and implementation of water agreements, the management of shared water resources, and the resolution of water disputes.
  


• Political and ethical dimensions of water management: Water management involves complex political and ethical considerations. The textbook discusses the political and ethical dimensions of water management, including the role of government, private sector, and civil society in promoting sustainable water use and protecting human rights in water resource management.
  

Benefits:
By studying this textbook, you will gain a deeper understanding of economic approaches to water management and their practical applications. You will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze and solve water allocation and distribution problems, contributing to the development of sustainable water resource management practices.

Who Should Read This Textbook:
This textbook is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of economics and engineering, as well as practitioners in the water sector. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to economic approaches and mathematical methods for the study of water allocation and distribution problems, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in this field.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this open-access textbook offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to economic approaches and mathematical methods for the study of water allocation and distribution problems. It provides a solid foundation for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of these critical issues and contribute to the development of sustainable water resource management practices.

Weight: 592g
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030484842
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021