Introduction to Institutional Resource Regimes

Abstract

Water stress, which is pressure on the quantity and quality of water resources, exists in many places across Europe and results in many serious problems including water shortages, flooding, pollution and ecosystem damage. In fact, water stress is the result of conflicting water uses or requirements. It is not only different economic claims on the use of a water resource that can be in conflict with each other: we only have to think of the limited natural availability of water to meet the demands of industry, agriculture, households and water supply companies. Furthermore, economic demands conflict with other uses. Thus, the circumstances that determine the availability, use, quality, form and status of water across Europe vary considerably. This book takes a close look at these specific circumstances in different European countries and examines the progress that has been made in terms of sustainability.