Author(s): Laura Riesgo; M. Mar Borrego-Marin

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Water banks; Defining criteria; Reallocation; Spanish legislation

Abstract: A Water Bank can be defined as an institutionalised and centralised process that facilitates water transfers from specific users to others. Such instrument has been proven to be useful to palliate negative impacts derived from water scarcity, mainly in the Western United States and Australia. In Spain, water banks are underused and have been applied only under extreme water shortages. However, this paper aims to explore a more general use of this instrument for water resources management, since it may allow a smooth transition from the current and rigid concessional system to a more flexible approach that facilitates water reallocation. This is especially relevant considering climate change scenarios where the competition for resources among different users is expected to increase. In this context, this paper compiles all the experiences using water banks as a reallocation instrument. A systematic analysis is performed identifying the different variables/criteria used to define water banks worldwide. Pros and cons of each experience are analysed as a previous step to propose different alternatives for water banks development under the Spanish legislation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/IAHR-39WC2521711920221379

Year: 2022