Actions under this topic should address ways to value water appropriately, taking into account the multiple and diverse values of water to different groups and sectors, and ways to develop appropriate tariffs and prices to ensure access to water which should be available and affordable to all, while also securing adequate pricing policies allowing for systematic renewal of water service infrastructure. Actions should develop and demonstrate in relevant river basins and sectors, innovative tools / instruments on intelligent water allocation schemes relevant for decision-making recommendations (e.g. on permits). The opportunities for developing water allocation schemes based on digital technologies should be explored.

The challenges for water allocation regimes, especially in developing countries, are also aggravated by weak water policies which contributes to structural water scarcity, increasing the risk of shortages for users and the environment. The interaction of policies, regulation and implementation mechanisms should be especially assessed, as well as, the interplay between conventional and non-conventional water resources (e.g. wastewater reuse, desalination, etc.).

Current water allocation regimes in agriculture should be reviewed in this context, with a view to developing the necessary combination of various adaptation measures, such as, water pricing, water use restrictions, improvement of water use efficiency, economic incentives, water reuse, shifting to less water-requiring crops and fallowing, etc., to cope with the reduction of water availability anticipated in climate change scenarios.

In general, the participation of academia, research organisations, utilities, industry and regulators is strongly advised, as well as civil society engagement whenever necessary.