Establishing a Water Abstraction Scheme: Issues and Options

14 Pages Posted: 25 Apr 2019

See all articles by Jessica Vapnek

Jessica Vapnek

UC Hastings College of the Law

Date Written: December 1, 2000

Abstract

As the world’s population continues its upward trend, many countries have begun to witness increased competition for water. This competition may be due to elevated levels of water pollution or other environmental stresses, to periodic scarcity, or to the appearance of certain high-volume uses, such as larger-scale tourism, industry, or agriculture. For example, government plans for irrigation development may raise concerns about the availability of water and, concomitantly, the ability of investors to acquire and rely on secure title to water. Even in those countries or states that have been fortunate up till now in having abundant freshwater resources, many governments have begun consideration of their policy options to address competing water uses and escalating demands on water resources. Foremost among these policy options is the establishment of a water abstraction licensing scheme, a system by which a government allocates water rights among competing users. The present document, which poses a series of 50 questions that ought to be considered in the decision-making process, is intended to provide guidance to governments considering whether to adopt a water abstraction licensing scheme. In answering the questions, policy makers will become familiar with options for the details of the operation of such a scheme, and will be able to identify open questions that will have to be resolved before any such scheme can be implemented.

Suggested Citation

Vapnek, Jessica, Establishing a Water Abstraction Scheme: Issues and Options (December 1, 2000). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3354985 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3354985

Jessica Vapnek (Contact Author)

UC Hastings College of the Law ( email )

200 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA CA 94102
United States
4155784486 (Phone)
4155784486 (Fax)

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
23
Abstract Views
253
PlumX Metrics