The Impacts of Water Reforms in Rural and Urban China: Evidence and Mechanisms

This book provides a comprehensive examination of three key water reforms in China. By leveraging unique natural experiments and employing state-of-the-art applied microeconometric methods, this book offers robust insights into the causal links between water reforms and economic outcomes in China. The book covers three major reforms: the rural drinking water program, private sector participation in urban water supply, and the adoption of Increasing Block Tariffs (IBTs) in the urban domestic water sector. It highlights how these reforms have shaped rural children's human capital development, urban water utilities' performance, and urban residents' water demand. Designed for academics, researchers, and graduate students in economics, environmental policy, and public administration, this book also appeals to policymakers, water sector professionals, and development agencies in developing countries. The content is scholarly and research-oriented, providing valuable insights into water reform policies.