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A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Water Resources Management, Policy and Governance".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2026 | Viewed by 6415

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Joaquín Melgarejo Moreno

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Guest Editor

University Institute of Water and Environmental Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
Interests: water management; hydro-economic models; sustainable resource allocation; water-energy nexus; economic analysis of water systems; integrated water resources management; water policy; environmental economics; water governance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Borja Montaño Sanz

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Guest Editor

University Institute of Water and Environmental Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
Interests: desalination; water transfers; wastewater treatment; water economics; water scarcity; water pricing; desalination companies; water governance; water policy; water sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, "Water: Economic, Social and Environmental Analysis", focuses on the theme of hydro-economic models for the sustainable management of water resources. Water is a vital resource, and its availability and efficient distribution are essential for sustainable development and human well-being. This journal Issue addresses the importance of integrating the economic dimension into water management models, recognizing that water-related decisions have both economic and environmental implications. Hydro-economic models are analytical tools that enable the evaluation of water resource management and efficient allocation, considering both economic and hydrological aspects. These models can help decision-makers understand the interactions between water and the economy and to develop strategies that promote sustainability and equity in water management. The articles in this journal issue cover recent research on the development and application of hydro-economic models, as well as case studies illustrating their application in different contexts. Topics to be explored include water demand management, the interaction between water and energy resources, the optimal allocation of water resources, market mechanisms, and economic incentives for water conservation. Collectively, this journal issue seeks to promote the understanding and advancement of hydro-economic models as tools for the sustainable management of water resources.

Dr. Joaquin Melgarejo
Prof. Dr. Francisco De Borja Montaño Sanz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Water is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

water management
economic analysis
social equity
environmental sustainability
integrated approaches

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 1360 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Water Management: Comparative Analysis of Governance Structure and Planning in China and Singapore for Application in Yemen

by Ali Al-Falahi and Guangcan Zhu

Water 2026, 18(6), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18060665 - 11 Mar 2026

Viewed by 279

Abstract

One of the most serious problems Yemen is facing is water scarcity, driven by low rainfall, high agricultural water consumption, and limited reuse of treated wastewater in irrigation, resulting in a sharp decline in groundwater, the country’s primary water source. The main objective of this study is to investigate the water governance and policy gaps in Yemen using indicators derived from previous field studies that assessed the quality of treated wastewater for irrigation reuse and calculated water requirements of banana crop. This analysis, conducted using the BROOK90 hydrological model and CROPWAT software, provides observational evidence for identifying key indicators and strategies to reduce pressure on scarce water resources and mitigate groundwater depletion. The findings were subsequently compared with the water governance practices in China and Singapore, focusing on governance frameworks, institutional arrangements, environmental and social impact dimensions, and policy integration rather than direct technological replication, acknowledging the substantial economic differences between the countries. The findings show that reusing wastewater, together with supplying crops with the optimal amount of irrigation, can significantly mitigate groundwater depletion and preserve limited water supplies. However, to achieve these outcomes, the suggested policies and programs must be effectively implemented, monitoring must be reinforced, and the local communities must actively participate in decision-making and planning processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water: Economic, Social and Environmental Analysis)

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19 pages, 501 KB

Open AccessArticle

Types and Mechanisms of Government Water–Environment Governance: A Comparative Analysis of 28 Counties and Districts in Zhejiang

by Fengjiang Liao, Quan Fang and Yuelong Su

Water 2025, 17(21), 3171; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17213171 - 5 Nov 2025

Viewed by 976

Abstract

Developing countries face the dilemma of balancing economic development with the governance of the water environment. In the 21st century, water environment governance has become a core theme in Chinese society, prompting governments at all levels to introduce numerous policies in this area. However, the effectiveness of governance varies widely across regions. To address the shortcomings of existing research, which often adopts overly simplistic perspectives and lacks explanatory power, this study integrates previous findings on water environment governance, drawing on theories such as structuration and policy implementation to construct an institutional-actor analytical framework. Through a qualitative comparative analysis of the “Five-Water Co-Governance” initiative in 28 counties in Zhejiang, this study identifies four distinct configurations leading to different governance outcomes: the strong upper-pressure and command-dominated type, the strong target-pressure and market-dominated type, the weak-pressure and command-market hybrid type, and the weak-pressure and command-market hybrid type. The revelation of these diverse governance types deepens the understanding of causal pathways in environmental governance and provides valuable insights into water environment governance practices in developing countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water: Economic, Social and Environmental Analysis)

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14 pages, 2340 KB

Open AccessArticle

Decoupling Water Consumption from Economic Growth in Inner Mongolia, China

by Danjun Wang, Yunqi Zhou and Fengwei Wang

Water 2025, 17(21), 3073; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17213073 - 27 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 902

Abstract

Using economic and water consumption data from Inner Mongolia and its 12 cities (2004–2023), this study employs the Tapio decoupling model to investigate the relationship between water consumption and economic growth. The results show a general shift from weak to strong decoupling across the region, with extreme events such as the 2020–2021 pandemic period (decoupling index, DI = 10.31) causing clear disruptions. Regional disparities followed a triple pattern: industrial areas (e.g., Ordos, Baotou) achieved strong decoupling via innovation; agricultural regions (e.g., Tongliao, Bayannur) remained in weak negative decoupling modes due to rigid water demand; and ecologically vulnerable areas (e.g., Alxa League, Xilin Gol) saw high volatility and unsustainable policy effects. Our interpretation of the three patterns highlights the need for region-specific governance. The driving mechanisms mainly include uneven adoption of water-saving technology (e.g., low drip irrigation rates in agriculture), virtual water trade shifting pressures across regions, and climate extremes worsening imbalances. Based on these findings, we recommend differentiated subsidies, regional compensation mechanisms, and adaptive policies to support sustainable water–economy coordination in arid regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water: Economic, Social and Environmental Analysis)

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20 pages, 2319 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability Synergies Between Water Governance and Agrotourism Development in the Semi-Arid Climate: A Case Study of Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador

by Eliana Ivanova Cuero Espinoza, Qudus Adeyi, Mirza Junaid Ahmad, Hwa-Seok Hwang and Kyung-Sook Choi

Water 2025, 17(15), 2215; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152215 - 24 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1382

Abstract

Effective water governance is essential for sustainable development amidst water scarcity challenges in semi-arid regions like Esmeraldas Province, which has substantial agrotourism potential. Yet, fragmented governance and chronic water shortages threaten its viability. Using a mixed-method approach, this study analyzed how sustainable water governance can support agrotourism development in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador. This study combined policy gaps analysis, stakeholder surveys (policymakers, farmers, community leaders, and tourism operators), and water availability using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) from 1980 to 2022. The results revealed a lack of policy regulation and water infrastructure as the major governance gaps that need more intervention. The survey respondents indicated that water is mainly used for domestic and economic activities and the conservation of natural ecosystems. The SPEI revealed a significant drought trend falling below −3, with severe drought years coinciding with many crop losses and a fall in tourism. This study highlights the interconnection between water governance and agrotourism in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, proposing a strategic framework that incorporates adaptive governance principles and inclusive participation mechanisms, emphasizing targeted capacity building to strengthen water management practices and enhance the Sustainable Development Goals for agrotourism resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water: Economic, Social and Environmental Analysis)

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19 pages, 826 KB

Open AccessArticle

Two-Level System for Optimal Flood Risk Coverage in Spain

by Sonia Sanabria García and Joaquin Torres Sempere

Water 2025, 17(13), 1997; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17131997 - 3 Jul 2025

Viewed by 1147

Abstract

This study evaluates the current Spanish insurance framework for catastrophic flood risk, administered by the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros (CCS), based on nationwide loss data reported by the CCS for the period 1996–2020. The analysis of historical claims data enables a clear differentiation between frequent, low-cost events and infrequent, high-impact catastrophes. While the CCS has fulfilled a critical role in post-disaster compensation, the findings highlight the parallel need for ex ante risk mitigation strategies. The study proposes a more efficient, two-tier risk coverage model. Events whose impacts can be managed through standard insurance mechanisms should be underwritten by private insurers using actuarially fair premiums. In contrast, events with catastrophic implications—due to their scale or financial impact—should be addressed through general solidarity mechanisms, centrally managed by the CCS. Such a risk segmentation would improve the financial sustainability of the system and create fiscal space for prevention-oriented incentives. The current design of the CCS scheme may generate moral hazard, as flood exposure is not explicitly priced into the premium structure. Empirical findings support a shift towards a more transparent, incentive-aligned model that combines collective risk sharing with individual risk responsibility—an essential balance for effective climate adaptation and long-term resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water: Economic, Social and Environmental Analysis)

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Review

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22 pages, 704 KB

Open AccessReview

Using Pilot Plants as a Didactic Resource to Facilitate the Acquisition of Technical Competences in the Urban Water Cycle in Vocational and Higher Education

by Albert Canut-Montalva, Carlos Rizo-Maestre and Joaquín Martínez-López

Water 2025, 17(5), 675; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17050675 - 26 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1190

Abstract

The technical training associated with urban water cycle management has a markedly multidisciplinary character. In Spain, training in this field to cover the different professional profiles involved in urban water management ranges from specific intermediate and higher Vocational Education and Training Programmes to related subjects included in various university degrees, as well as specialised master’s degrees in a very specific discipline involved in water management. Paradoxically, the companies in the sector are finding it difficult to find intermediate and higher technicians with training in line with their current needs to meet the challenges they must face in order to manage the sewerage and supply networks as efficiently as possible. It is necessary to incorporate, in Vocational Education centres, innovative methods and means that facilitate the acquisition of the skills required by key sectors for sustainability, such as urban water management. The incorporation of resources that help students to understand complex concepts in this field through the operation of pilot-scale equipment and installations that simulate those they will encounter in their professional performance can be of great value in facilitating the acquisition of the desired competences. In this work, a bibliographical review of the use of pilot plants for teaching purposes, in relation to technical aspects involved in the field of urban water management circumscribed to urban supply and sanitation networks, is carried out in order to assess the degree of their implementation as a training resource, which aspects are most frequently addressed, and the contribution they make to the improvement of teaching–learning processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water: Economic, Social and Environmental Analysis)

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