Pricing Water Resources and Water and Sanitation Services

In both OECD and non-OECD countries the water sector is facing the challenges of increased competition for water resources, deteriorating water quality, and the effects of climate change and poor management. In this context, how can countries ensure access to adequate, sustainable and affordable water and sanitation services for all?

Pricing water-related services is an essential part of the answer. This report compiles reliable and comparable data on pricing water and on water supply and sanitation services across OECD countries. It sheds additional light on such policy issues as the choice of tariff structures for water services, cost recovery for water services and affordability.

Further reading

Sustainable Management of Water Resources in Agriculture (2010)

Managing Water for All (2009)

Private Sector Participation in Water Infrastructure: OECD Checklist for Public Action (2009)

Social Issues in the Provision and Pricing of Water Services (2003)

The Price of Water: Trends in OECD Countries (1999)