The economics of groundwater management in arid countries

"Groundwater is being depleted on a large scale in many arid and semi-arid parts of the world. It is often said that this precious resource is being wasted at the expense of future generations. But should groundwater depletion be avoided at any price? Or is depletion desirable in certain circumstances? If there is to be a reduction in groundwater depletion, how can it be achieved? And how can limited water resources be allocated to their most valuable uses? Is there a role for water markets? Or for environmental charges? And is the increased use of surface water, already under heavy pressure in many cases, or of such non-conventional resources as desalinated seawater preferable to groundwater depletion?" "The author addresses these issues by undertaking an economic analysis, and considers the political and hydrological aspects of water management."--Jacket.