Water Quality Management in the Americas

The book contains several in-depth case studies which comprehensively analyze the present status of water quality management practices at country and state levels, especially in terms of their effectiveness and overall impacts. The objective is to identify opportunities, shortcomings, and constraints that currently exist. The analyses include the mechanisms and instruments that have succeeded in improving water quality, at which locations, for what reasons, and how whatever constraints and deficiencies that exist at present can be overcome in the future in a cost-effective and timely manner. Management instruments that are not working as they were initially expected were also identified, as well the reasons as to why others are not working, and what policy actions should be taken to improve the current situation. TOC:Preface.- Water Quality Management in the Americas.- Water Quality Issues in Latin America.- Effectiveness of Market Approaches to Water Quality Management.- Role of Water Rights and Market Approaches to Water Quality Management in the Americas.- Using Economic Instruments in the Management of Nonpoint Source Water Pollution.- Water Quality Management. A Commentary.- Integrated Water Quality Management in Brazil.- Institutional Aspects of Water Quality in Sources: Introduction to Brazil's Case.- Water Quality Management in Ceará.- Water Quality Management in Mexico.- Water Quality Management: Missing Concepts and Experiences from Mexico and Central America.- Treatment of Urban Wastewater: Public Policies in a Local Context for Guanajuato, Mexico.- Legal and Institutional Framework for the Management of Water Quality in Argentina.- Economic Costs of Water Quality Management in Central America: Case Study of Costa Rica.- Water Quality Management in Chile through Economic Instruments.- Water Pollution Charges. Lessons Learned from Real Life: Colombian Experience.- Index.