Water Charges in Brazil
The Ways Forward
This report examines the current system of water abstraction and pollution charges in operation in Brazil. It assesses the current system’s implementation challenges and provides possible solutions. The report explores how water charges can be both an effective means for dealing with water security issues, and a tool for enhancing economic growth and social welfare. Specific analysis is put forward for three case studies in the State of Rio de Janiero, the Paraiba do Sul River Basin and the Piancó-Piranhas-Açu River Basin. The report highlights that water charges need to operate in conjunction with an effective water regulatory regime and concludes with an Action Plan based on practical steps and recommendations for its implementation in the short, medium and long-term.
Also available in: Portuguese
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Charging for water abstraction and discharges – A checklist
What is the problem you are trying to solve, and over what timescale? What policy outcomes do you want to achieve and how will charges (alone or in combination with other measures) help you deliver them? Charging is just one mechanism among many that can be used to deliver sustainable water management. It is not an end in itself, and for the purposes of managing a public good it cannot operate effectively without other delivery systems. In particular, permitting systems – “command and control” regulation – are essential for effective water allocation and pollution control. But charging can also help to ensure that water users internalise at some of the costs of their activities, and, over time, change their behaviours.
Also available in: Portuguese
- Click to access:
-
Click to download PDF - 360.23KBPDF
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Click to Read online and shareREAD