Modernization and Urban Water Governance

This book describes the impact of modernization on the organization and sustainability of Urban Water Systems in Europe (UWSEs). Bolognesi explains that the modernization of UWSEs was a regulatory shock that began in the 1990s and was put into action with the EU Water Framework Directive in the year 2000. This process sought to reorganize water governance in order to achieve certain sustainability goals, but it fell short of expectations.

Modernization and Urban Water Governance provides an update on the organization and sustainability of UWSEs, while drawing from a comparative analysis of German, French, and English water models and an institutionalist explanation of the current situation. With a focus on transaction costs, property rights allocation and institutional environments, this book argues that the modernization of UWSEs tends to depoliticize these systems and make them more resilient but also limits their potential for sustainable management.

This book will be relevant to those wishing to understand the real impacts of water reform in Europe according to national contingencies.

“This book combines insights from both institutional theory and actual practice and outcomes to provide an in-depth analysis of what the 2000 EU Water Framework Directive has meant for urban water systems in Europe. Using cases from England, France and Germany the book explains the effects of the regulatory ‘shock’ and what is has led to in terms of depoliticization, socio-economic resilience and the potential for sustainability.   It is ‘must read’ book for anyone involved in urban water governance, wherever they might live, and for scholars who wish to understand how regulations affect outcomes, whatever their disciplinary or thematic specializations.” (Quentin Grafton, Australian National University, Australia)

“Dr. Bolognesi develops a challenging and innovative institutional approach to the regulatory reforms of water systems in Europe. He points out many sources of misalignment in the solutions adopted while keeping in view the often neglected technological dimension. A 'must read' contribution.” (Claude Ménard, University of Paris, France)

“This book provides a framework to analyze the modernization of European urban water systems in Europe. Particular care is devoted to the influence of the evolving institutional framework as well as sustainability issues and political dimensions without forgetting theoretical considerations. All the elements needed to understand what is going on …” (Stéphane Saussier, University of Paris, France)