Research Article
Dec 1970
Policies for Efficient Regional Water Management
Authors: Charles W. Howe and Blair T. Bower, M.ASCEAuthor Affiliations
Publication: Journal of the Irrigation and Drainage Division
Volume 96, Issue 4
Abstract
Three conditions are necessary to guarantee efficient use of water: (1) that water be combined with other inputs so as to minimize cost; (2) that water be allocated among different uses and locations so as to maximize its net contribution to the net value of output; and (3) that water supplies and quality be developed to the point where the return from the last dollar invested equals the return available from alternative public and private investments. Least cost methods of production and possibilities for substituting other inputs for water are illustrated for thermal generation, irrigation agriculture, navigation, and industrial uses. It is difficult to allocate water efficiently among uses and over space and time because of inappropriate pricing of water and difficulties in transferring water rights. These lead to political pressures for excessive and premature investment. Most of these problems can be overcome through appropriate pricing and designing management institutions which are able and willing to consider all of the alternative solutions to water deficiency problems.
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Information
Published In
Journal of the Irrigation and Drainage Division
Volume 96 • Issue 4 • December 1970
Pages: 387 - 393
Copyright
© 1970 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: Dec 1970
Published online: Feb 11, 2021
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Authors
Affiliations
Charles W. Howe
Director, Water Resources Program, Resources for the Future, Inc., Washington, D.C.
Blair T. Bower, M.ASCE
Assoc. Director, Quality of the Environment Program, Resources for the Future, Inc., Washington, D.C.
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.