Litcius/Paper detail

Water pricing and markets: Principles, practices and proposals

Sarah Ann Wheeler, Céline Nauges, R. Quentin Grafton

2025Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy11 citationsDOIOpen Access PDF

Abstract

Abstract The allocation of water across space and time is a key challenge of water governance, with demand and supply often not well matched over time and place. Best practice water pricing and markets may promote water conservation, yet their application is limited. We highlight the governance principles needed for best practice water pricing and water markets, describe differences across regions, and provide six key water demand governance recommendations for both Global North and Global South countries.

Topics & Concepts

EconomicsBusinessWater pricingFinancial economicsWater resourcesWater conservationBiologyEcologyWater resources management and optimizationWater Governance and InfrastructureWater-Energy-Food Nexus Studies