Letsoalo, AnthonyBlignaut, James NelsonDe Wet, Theuns J.De Wit, M.P. (Martinus Petrus)Hess, SebastiaanTol, Richard S.J.Van Heerden, J.H. (Jan Horn), 1957-2008-05-092008-05-092007Letsoalo, A, Blignaut, J, De Wet, T, De Wit, M, Hess, S, Tol, RSJ & Van Heerden, J 2007, 'Triple dividends of water consumption charges In South Africa', Water Resources Research, vol. 43, no. W05412, pp. 1-11. [http://www.agu.org/journals/wr/]0043-139710.1029/2005WR004076http://hdl.handle.net/2263/5198The South African government is exploring ways to address water scarcity problems by introducing a water resource management charge on the quantity of water used in sectors such as irrigated agriculture, mining and forestry. It is expected that a more efficient water allocation, lower use and a positive impact on poverty can be achieved. This paper reports on the validity of these claims by applying a computable general equilibrium model to analyse the triple dividend of water consumption charges in South Africa: reduced water use, more rapid economic growth, and a more equal income distribution. It is shown that the appropriate, budget-neutral combination of water charges, particularly on irrigated agriculture and coal mining, and reduced indirect taxes, particularly on food, would yield triple dividends.488045 bytesapplication/pdfenAmerican Geophysical UnionWater scarcityWater chargesTriple dividendPoverty alleviationComputable general equilibrium (CGE)Water-supply -- Economic aspects -- South AfricaWater-supply -- Rates -- South AfricaPostprint Article