Few pairings provoke as passionate a response as the coupling of water and money; however, water is deeply rooted in our market economy. The newly published 2019 Arroyo, “Water, Business, and the Business of Water,” takes this truism as a jumping-off point for its survey of the ways in which water and business intersect. The inspiration for this Arroyo came from “The Business of Water,” the WRRC’s 2018 Annual Conference.
Drawing from and expanding on the conference presentations, this Arroyo examines the pros and cons of water markets and water transfers along with newer mechanisms that can introduce greater flexibility into water use while protecting third parties and ecosystems from harm. An overview of how water and wastewater utilities finance construction and operation of the facilities necessary for safe and reliable water service provides several examples including various public-private partnerships and government programs. Later sections illustrate actions by a growing number of businesses to minimize ballooning risk related to water and demonstrate good water stewardship, and how investments by communities in their local water resources stimulate economic development and social well-being. The WRRC is pleased to offer this brief but comprehensive review of the nexus of water and business.
Click here to download the Arroyo.