Abstract

Increased demand for diminishing water resources has created the need for creative water management strategies. One technique perused in the western United States is the purchase of water rights by non-profit organizations for environmental in-stream uses. This paper looks at the Columbia Basin as a case study of the motivations of non-profit organizations. It shows how the institutional structure reduces transaction costs associated with water rights transfers and how non-profit organizations can incentivize water conservation in the western United States.

Date of Completion

12-2010

Degree Type

Thesis

Format

PDF

URI

http://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/economics_theses/89

Language

English

Department

Economics

Included in

Economics Commons

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