Economic Valuation of Water Resources in Agriculture


Book Description

The purpose of this report is to produce a review on water resource valuation issues and techniques specifically for the appraisal and negotiation of raw (as opposed to bulk or retail) water resource allocation for agricultural development projects. The review considers raw water in naturally occurring watercourses, lakes, wetlands, soil and aquifers, taking an ecosystem function perspective at a catchment scale, and takes account of the demands from irrigated and rainfed agriculture. It is hoped that the review will have particular application to developing countries where agreed methods for reconciling competing uses are often absent, but nevertheless takes account of valuation approaches that have been made in post industrial economies.







Economic Benefits Of Improved Water Quality


Book Description

Until recently, there has been general agreement that improvement and preservation of water quality, though costly, provided economic and social benefits that outweighed the expense. Now, however, some observers are beginning to question whether the costs of the 1972 Water Pollution Control Act may actually exceed those benefits. This book provides answers to some of the questions that have been raised. The authors give measures of several important nonmarket benefits of improved water quality in Colorado's South Platte River Basin and empirically test and confirm the Weisbrod and Krutilla proposals that the general public may be willing to pay for preservation of environmental amenities and that option value and other preservation values must be added to recreation-use values to give an accurate picture of the social benefits of environmental preservation and restoration. Their findings include the fact that even those who do not expect to use the river basin for recreation are willing to pay for the maintenance of a natural ecosystem and to bequest clean water to future generations. The authors also arrive at average amounts households are willing to pay for improved water quality to enhance enjoyment of water-based recreation activities. They suggest that, without such information, it is highly unlikely that sufficient resources will be allocated for the preservation of unique environments and for the improvement of those being degraded.







Determining the Economic Value of Water


Book Description

First Published in 2005. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
















The Science of Water


Book Description

The Science of Water: Concepts and Applications, Fourth Edition, contains a wealth of scientific information and is based on real-world experience. Building on the third edition, this text applies the latest data and research in the field and addresses water contamination as a growing problem. The book material covers a wide range of water contaminants and the cause of these contaminants and considers their impact on surface water and groundwater sources. It also explores sustainability and the effects of human use, misuse, and reuse of freshwater and wastewater on the overall water supply. Provides Valuable Insight for Water/Wastewater Practitioners Designed to fill a gap in the available material about water, the book examines water reserve utilization and the role of policymakers involved in the decision-making process. The book provides practical knowledge that practitioners and operators must have in order to pass licensure/certification tests and keep up with relevant changes. It also updates all previous chapters, presents numerous example math problems, and provides information not covered in earlier editions. Features: Is updated throughout and adds new problems, tables, and figures Includes new coverage on persistent chemicals in drinking water and the latest techniques in converting treated wastewater to safe drinking water Provides updated information on pertinent regulations dealing with important aspects of water supply and treatment The Science of Water: Concepts and Applications, Fourth Edition, serves a varied audience—it can be utilized by water/wastewater practitioners, as well as students, lay personnel, regulators, technical experts, attorneys, business leaders, and concerned citizens.