Managing Water as an Economic Resource examines the roots of the widespread crisis in the world's water sector. Countries in all stages of development and various climatic zones continue to treat water as a plentiful and "free" resource. This results in a search for new supply sources at escalating economic and environmental costs and the persistence of wasteful supply, delivery and consumption systems. James Winpenny argues that planners, managers of water utilities and consumers must begin to treat water as an economic resource. He explains the benefits of allowing the private sector to supply more water and the importance of encouraging water markets where the resource will be most valued. Using global case studies, he evaluates the improved management of existing demand and offers suggestions for introducing measures which would treat water as an economic good and lead to major economic, financial and environmental benefits.