Ms. Kalpana Kochhar

Ms. Catherine A. Pattillo

Ms. Yan Sun

Mrs. Nujin Suphaphiphat

Andrew Swiston

Mr. Robert Tchaidze

Mr. Benedict J. Clements

Ms. Stefania Fabrizio

Valentina Flamini

Ms. Laure Redifer

Mr. Harald Finger

This paper examines water challenges, a growing global concern with adverse economic and social consequences, and discusses economic policy instruments. Water subsidies provided through public utilities are estimated at about $456 billion or 0.6 percent of global GDP in 2012. The paper suggests that getting economic incentives right, notably by reforming water pricing, can go a long way towards encouraging more efficient water use and supporting needed investment, while enabling policies that protect the poor. It also discusses pricing reform options and emphasizes an integrated and holistic approach to manage water, going beyond the water sector itself. The IMF can play a helpful role in ensuring that macroeconomic policies are conducive to sound water management.

Issues in Managing Water Challenges and Policy Instruments

Is the Glass Half Empty Or Half Full?

Ms. Yan Sun

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