The paradox of water pricing: dichotomies, dilemmas, and decisions
Date
2020
Authors
Grafton, Quentin
Chu, Long
Wyrwoll, Paul
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Abstract
We deliver a public policy perspective on the dichotomies, dilemmas, and decisions of water
pricing. First, the dichotomies between price and value, and costs, are defined to explain the paradox
of water pricing: the price of water almost never equals its value and rarely covers its cost. Second, the
dilemmas of water pricing are highlighted across efficiency and equity, objectives for water pricing, and
the instruments available to decision-makers. Third, the challenges of decision-making are evaluated
and illustrated in relation to water pricing. Fourth, an adaptive process is provided that includes participatory assessment of risks and options to guide water-pricing decision-making.
Keywords: water tariff, costs, equity, efficiency, regulation
Description
Keywords
water tariff, costs, equity, efficiency, regulation
Citation
Collections
Source
Oxford Review of Economic Policy
Type
Journal article
Book Title
Entity type
Access Statement
Open Access
License Rights
Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License