The Handbook of Water Economics is presented in three sections: theory, methods and applications, providing the latest information in the growing area of water economics and the environment, covering the theory and issues relating to resource management techniques, policy formulation, implementation and evaluation in the water sector. * Includes strong theory section which links to real world examples in the applications section * Provides an associated website which will include: formats for EXCEL spreadsheet application covered in the text; bibliography and links to related sites * Methods section includes coverage of methods of economic evaluation, use of economic instruments and cost-benefit analysis * Applications section includes case studies on: water availability; sewerage and waste water treatment; navigation; hydro-electric and multipurpose reservoirs; flooding; hydrometric data and coastal zone management Essential reading for those studying environmental economics modules in Departments of Environmental Management, Geography and Engineering, researchers in hydrology as well as professionals and policy makers in water companies, water authorities, NGO's and government agencies.

Water is vital to social and economic development whilst both arable land and water are scarce. Managing water is highly capital intensive, and capital is also scarce. Simultaneously, there are environmental consequences to any intervention in the water cycle whilst the economy depends on the environment. Therefore, for an integrated catchment, economic analyses must be undertaken on the analysis of the impacts of the proposed scheme upon the catchment as a whole.

This book starts with the Dublin declaration for defining sustainable water management and sets out the economic framework needed to support the implementation of its requirements. The book is divided into two parts: the theory and applications. The theory side sets out the nature of choice and decision-making, considering social and policy issues for water and resource management. The applications side provides the tools for the economic evaluation of water needs, the use of economic instruments and cost-benefit analysis.

Handbook of Water Economics: principles and practice:
* Adopts an integrated approach to managing land-water interactions.

* Includes good practice guidelines for each method along with a comparative summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

* Illustrates techniques with real applications from projects in Egypt, South Africa, China and the United Kingdom.

* Includes case studies on water availability, sewerage and wastewater treatment, tradable permits, , flooding, and hydrometric data.

* Incorporates other aspects of water management, including law, sociology, psychology, development studies and market research.

* Is orientated to practical application.
This book is suitable for MSc students taking environmental economics modules in Departments of Environmental Management, Geography and Engineering, and researchers in Hydrology. This book will be a useful resource for professionals and policy makers in water companies, water authorities, NGO's, government agencies and international agencies.