Recent trends in water policy in Sardinia. Filling the gap between increased demand and decreasing availability

Water policies in different parts of the world are increasingly called to control an ever increasing demand that is often conflicting with decreasing availability. One of the main tools to control water demand is an effective price policy that is able to find a balance between social equity and economic efficiency. The Italian region of Sardinia is an interesting case study, as it shows the increasing difficulties experienced by a Mediterranean island facing recurrent water shortages. Decades of weak planning determined an emergency situation characterized by widespread environmental conflicts. New trends aim at centralizing water management and curbing the growing demand through increasing water prices.