Environmental policy instruments for water: conflicts in water-use tax in lake Guaíba

Abstract

This article examines some conflicts concerning the implementation of water-use tax in Lago Guaíba, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil as a tool for economic management for natural resources. To do that, we have investigated historical, theoretical, legal and practical aspects related to the water management and we have done several interviews with representative social actors. From the research, we identified some socioeconomic forces that act to delay the implementation of water-use tax. As we could observe, this delay may become chronic and even derail the initiative. Key words: water management, water-use tax, Lake Guaíba.