Mechanisms to Allocate Environmental Water (original) (raw)

Water for the Environment, 2017

Abstract

Abstract Environmental water can be implemented using a range of different allocation mechanisms that are legal or policy tools that enable the provision of water for environmental purposes. This chapter identifies five allocation mechanisms and classifies these based on their legal characteristics, function, and operation. There are three allocation mechanisms that provide environmental water by imposing conditions on other water users: caps on consumptive water use, conditions on private water users, and conditions on storage or water resource operators. There are two allocation mechanisms that create specific legal rights for the environment itself: ecological/environmental reserves, and environmental water rights. These allocation mechanisms can be used singly or in combination within the same river system. The main factors that influence the selection of an allocation mechanism(s) in a particular system, and outline the main implementation options and constraints, operational requirements, security, and adaptability of each mechanism are discussed. Case studies from Australia, the United States, South Africa, and China are used to illustrate and explore the implementation of these allocation mechanisms, including several of the factors driving or constraining success.

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