Scope
The Journal of Water Economics publishes theoretical and empirical research on the economics of water resources. The journal welcomes contributions on allocation, governance, pricing, regulation, policy instruments, valuation, and related topics at the interface of economics and water management. Articles should advance economic understanding of water resources and provide insights relevant for policy and management.

History
The Journal of Water Economics was established in 2025 as the successor to Water Resources and Economics (WRE). WRE was launched in 2013 and published by Elsevier, providing a platform for research on the economic dimensions of water resources. After the discontinuation of WRE at Elsevier in 2025, the full editorial board decided to continue the journal independently under a new title, ensuring continuity of rigor, quality, and relevance.

Open Access
The start of the Journal of Water Economics marks a turn toward open access publishing. All articles are freely available to readers worldwide without subscription or paywall barriers. Authors retain copyright of their work and publish under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which allows others to share and adapt the work with proper attribution. This policy increases visibility and impact while ensuring the widest possible dissemination of research in water economics.

Partners and Support
The Journal of Water Economics builds on strong institutional partnerships, reflecting its international character and firm embedding within the field of water economics. The European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists has endorsed the journal, recognizing its contribution to advancing research and collaboration in this field. The journal is hosted by the University of Waterloo and supported by its Water Institute, which provide technical and institutional backing that enhance the journal’s global reach and impact.