Water Resources
Water is the most abundant natural resource on the planet, the source of countless ecosystem services, and critical to industrial, agricultural, household, and recreational activities. Research by RFF experts helps inform effective water management policies that account for the value of water and address water quality and sustainability.
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Working Paper — Oct 15, 2024
Efficiency, Equity, and Cost-Recovery Trade-Offs in Municipal Water Pricing
In this working paper, we explore how water utilities often set rates that lead to inefficient water use and budget shortfalls, and suggest that fairer pricing could improve both efficiency and affordability.
Resources Radio — Jul 30, 2024
An Introduction to the Environmental and Health Risks of Forever Chemicals, with Caroline Noblet
Caroline Noblet discusses the risks of forever chemicals for the environment and human health, along with new regulations and funding that aim to limit human exposure to common forever chemicals.
Resources Radio — Jul 23, 2024
Four Dam Removals on the Klamath River, with Amy Bowers Cordalis
Amy Bowers Cordalis discusses the historical impact of the Klamath River dams on the Yurok Tribe, successful efforts to have the dams removed, and protecting the cultural and natural resources of Native Americans.
On the Issues — Mar 22, 2024
On the Issues: Evolving Climate of Trade, Permitting Reform, and More
A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: evolving climate of trade, permitting reform, and more.
Working Paper — Oct 15, 2024
Efficiency, Equity, and Cost-Recovery Trade-Offs in Municipal Water Pricing
In this working paper, we explore how water utilities often set rates that lead to inefficient water use and budget shortfalls, and suggest that fairer pricing could improve both efficiency and affordability.
Journal Article — May 25, 2023
Economic Analysis of Wildfire Impacts to Water Quality: A Review
In this article, we identify ways in which economic analyses can contribute to understanding and managing wildfire impacts to water resources and review pertinent literature to characterize important areas of future work.
Journal Article — May 11, 2023
Riverine Nitrogen Flux and Its Response to Management, Climate, and Other Environmental Factors in Northeast and Midwest United States
In this paper, the authors investigate the individual effects of a set of management, technology, and policy mechanisms that alter total reactive nitrogen flux through rivers in the Northeast and Midwest of the United States.
Journal Article — Jun 7, 2022
Confronting our Agricultural Nonpoint Source Control Policy Problem
Confronting our Agricultural Nonpoint Source Control Policy Problem
Workshop — Dec 4, 2018
Measuring the Cost: Exploring the Impacts of Water Pollution
Measuring the Cost: Exploring the Impacts of Water Pollution
Workshop — Feb 3, 2016
Improving the Federal Response to Western Drought
Improving the Federal Response to Western Drought
Workshop — Apr 10, 2014
Exploring the Local Impacts of Shale Gas Development
Exploring the Local Impacts of Shale Gas Development
Workshop — Oct 2, 2013
The Future of US Water Supplies
The Future of US Water Supplies
Resources Radio — Jul 30, 2024
An Introduction to the Environmental and Health Risks of Forever Chemicals, with Caroline Noblet
Caroline Noblet discusses the risks of forever chemicals for the environment and human health, along with new regulations and funding that aim to limit human exposure to common forever chemicals.
Resources Radio — Jul 23, 2024
Four Dam Removals on the Klamath River, with Amy Bowers Cordalis
Amy Bowers Cordalis discusses the historical impact of the Klamath River dams on the Yurok Tribe, successful efforts to have the dams removed, and protecting the cultural and natural resources of Native Americans.
On the Issues — Mar 22, 2024
On the Issues: Evolving Climate of Trade, Permitting Reform, and More
A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: evolving climate of trade, permitting reform, and more.
Resources Radio — Mar 19, 2024
Mapping Waters of the United States Using New Tools, with Simon Greenhill and Hannah Druckenmiller
Simon Greenhill and Hannah Druckenmiller discuss a new machine learning model that can predict which rivers, streams, wetlands, and other waterways are regulated under the Clean Water Act according to different definitions of water bodies.
Media Highlight — Jun 17, 2023
Inside Climate News: "As the Colorado River Declines, Water Scarcity and the Hunt for New Sources Drive Up Rates"
RFF University Fellow Casey Wichman is quoted several times in this piece about the rising cost of water in the parched American West.
Media Highlight — Dec 15, 2022
Scientific American: "How Water Cycles Can Help Prevent Disastrous Floods and Droughts"
A journal article coauthored by Fellow Hannah Druckenmiller on the economic benefits of wetlands is covered in this story by Scientific American.
Media Highlight — Mar 18, 2021
What We've Learned About Long-Term Investments in Water: A Conversation with Margaret Walls
What We've Learned About Long-Term Investments in Water: A Conversation with Margaret Walls
Media Highlight — Dec 21, 2020
Ag Payments to Control Nutrients Should Be Based on Results
Ag Payments to Control Nutrients Should Be Based on Results