Water Resources

ECONorthwest applies market and non-market techniques to analyze the benefits, costs and tradeoffs of water-resource allocation.

ECONorthwest has extensive experience addressing the economic dimensions of water and riparian resources. We have evaluated water-allocation decisions in complex socio-political and ecosystem settings, including the Puget Sound and California Bay-Delta regions. We have analyzed the economic tradeoffs associated with water quality and water supply challenges in both urban and rural settings. Our clients include local, state, and federal water-management agencies, non-profit organizations, Native American tribes, utilities, and private water users. Our analyses have involved over 40 water basins, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas across the United States.

Our practical experience includes:

• Valuing market and non-market ecosystem goods and services.
• Quantifying the benefits and costs associated with water-supply and watershed-restoration projects.
• Assessing economic benefits of establishing numeric criteria for nutrient discharges into aquatic ecosystems.
• Developing market and incentive-based approaches to managing water resources.
• Evaluating water-quality trading programs.
• Assessing economic consequences of climate-change impacts on water resources.
• Conducting benefit-cost analysis of water-development projects for reclaimed water, desalination, irrigation efficiency, and bottled water.
• Evaluating low-impact development projects, sustainable stormwater management plans, and non-structural best management practices.
• Assessing economic consequences of breaching and constructing new dams.
• Estimating private and public damages associated with water contamination.

Interested in learning more about how ECONorthwest can help you with your next project? Our toolbox is full and our staff enjoy meeting new challenges.