Integrating water charges policies and watershed plans for improved investment and financial sustainability in water resources management

This paper proposes a dual-feedback process that links watershed plan actions with raw water charges. A dedicated decision support model is created to implement this process and allow long-term financial sustainability analysis. The model offers real-time analysis of various watershed actions using customizable prioritization criteria integrated with different water pricing configurations, including user-polluter pays and beneficiary-pays principles, as well as other funding sources. Application to the Piracicaba–Capiravi–Jundiaí Basins in Brazil shows how important water management and water quality improving actions can be funded through water charges and how finance gaps can be resolved through a shared Vision Modelling approach.