Investing in water information, knowledge and monitoring

Winpenny, J. (2009). Investing in information, knowledge and monitoring. (The United Nations World Water Assessment Programme. Side publication series. Scientific papers). Paris, France, UNESCO. 16 p. ISBN 978-92-3-104113-6
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Even though information about water is as essential to life as the water itself, this paper argues that not enough information is produced. From both a social viewpoint, insufficient resources are invested in the supply and dissemination of water information. From an economic perspective, water information is undersupplied,  due essentially to its characteristic as a public good. This points to the important role of public agencies (and philanthropists) in rectifying this market failure. The generation of information for water management is an economic activity, and therefore economic principles can be used to help orient research towards socially valuable aims.

The paper illustrates the benefits of providing greater information are illustrated in five areas:

• information for water resource planning and use
• information for water governance
• information for citizens
• information for improved management of water services
• information for business and trade

Finally, reference is made to the new System of Environmental-Economic Accounting for Water (SEEAW), promoted by UN agencies, which will provide a comprehensive framework for the inclusion of water information into national income accounts.