PRINCIPLES FOR A SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT

As we try to point out in this paper, water is one of the most important environmental resources, with some particular characteristics of a public as well as of an economic good. In the beginning, we mention some of the main actual global challenges in the water sector, which should be met by a Sustainable Water Management. In the paper first we define this concept, along with stating some of its main political principles and economic issues. Developing a sustainable water pricing structure is another requirement for a sustainable water management. Our main conclusion is that a pragmatic application of economic aspects with regard to water should focus on the goal of cost recovery and efficiently use of the generated revenue to achieve our water resource management objectives, including the sustainable development goal of a universal provision of adequate water supply and sanitation.