Handbook of Water Economics

Edited by Ariel Dinar, Distinguished Professor of Environmental Economics and Policy and Kurt Schwabe, Associate Professor of Environmental Economics and Policy, School of Public Policy, University of California, Riverside, US

Water scarcity, whether in the quality or quantity dimension, afflicts most countries. Decisions on water management and allocation over time, space, and among uses and users involve economic considerations. This Handbook assembles research that represents recent thinking and applications in water economics. The book chapters are written by leading scholars in the field who address issues related to its use, management, and value. The topics cover analytical methods, sectoral and intersectoral water issues, and issues associated with different sources of water.

‘The Handbook of Water Economics provides a comprehensive treatment of the economics of water. Compiling contributions from over 40 water economists, the book encompasses a breadth of topics ranging from theoretical frameworks to methods, and from traditional problems to emerging challenges. Accessible to graduate students, researchers, and professionals, the book offers a broad overview of water-related issues, and covers essential material for developing a solid understanding of the role economics plays in driving water use, informing policy and designing long-term solutions.’
– Cloe Garnache, Water Economics and Policy

‘. . . Handbook of Water Economics by Dinar and Schwabe focuses on current issues in water economics. The Handbook, hence, presents, methods that water economists often apply and the role that water economics plays in water resources management, use and policy.’
European Review of Agricultural Economics

‘The evidence is clear that water conflicts and water management continue to present profound obstacles to peace and sustainable livelihoods. Ariel Dinar and Kurt Schwabe have produced a compelling collection of readings that offer important insights into this persistent problem. Chapters cover conceptual issues, competing uses, valuation, sectoral allocation, water markets, energy production, residential and industrial uses, ecosystems, water quality, and international (transboundary) concerns. This impressive volume will become an essential reference for years to come.’
– Daniel W. Bromley, University of Wisconsin–Madison, US

‘All in all, the book offers very interesting individual contributions by eminent scholars, illustrating the wide scope of water economics and the careful analysis that is necessary for this economic resource ‘with distinctive features.’
– Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics