This comprehensive Handbook explores the role that economics plays in water resource use, management, and policy. The contributors cover a continuum of topics that individually and jointly represent the state of the art of water economics.Leading scholars demonstrate ways in which economic theory, tools, and analyses have been used to address a variety of water-related issues over the years and, subsequently, to create better-informed policy and management decisions. Acknowledging and building upon the seminal research related to water economics, this book offers a current and provocative exploration of a variety of topics, including:the role of institutions in developing sound water policy and water sustainabilityextraction, production, and use of surface water, groundwater, and recycled water, including the conjunctive use of these resourcesthe use of water in industrial, residential, agricultural, and hydropower sectors as well as for the environment and ecosystemsthe role of experimental economics; methods to address climate change effects and adaptation; developments in the field of nonmarket valuation; approaches to nonpoint source pollution control and salinity pollution; issues related to water in the developing world; water and economic growth; and management of international water.The Handbook of Water Economics will prove to be an enlightening, thought-provoking, and practical read for Ph D students, researchers in water economics and management, water-related agency staff, and professionals interested in water-related economic issues at the local, state, national, and international levels.Contributors: E. Ansink, K.A. Baerenklau, E.B. Barbier, R. Bark, H. Bejarano, K. Burnett, R.T. Carson, J. Connor, O.G. Davila, A. Dinar, D.P. Dupont, B. Franklin, R.Q. Grafton, K. Hansen, F. Hernandez-Sancho, H. Houba, B.H. Hurd, W.K. Jaeger, P.-O. Johansson, S. Kaplan, V. Kerry Smith, K.C. Knapp, P. Koundouri, B. Kristrom, A. Loch, M. Molinos-Senante, S.K. Pattanayak, S. Pongkijvorasin, S. Renzetti, J. Roumasset, K. Schwabe, J. Shortle, V.K.Smith, D. Squires, Y. Tsur, C.A. Wada, J. Wang, F.A. Ward, S.A. Wheeler, D. Whittington, M.-Q. (Kent) Zhao, D. Zilberman