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The development and modernization of the water/wastewater sector in Romania, by implementing the requirements of compliance with the EU acquis of water protection is a challenge for our capacity and prospects of recovery using sustainable development opportunities. Once the main theoretical and methodological foundations and objectives of regionalization of WSS utilities are stated, the paper makes a brief analysis of key achievements and results obtained through the recent policy of regionalization and development of the water supply and sanitation networking and services, in Romania, based on indicators calculated for Regional Operating Companies (ROC) highlighting implications of the financial crisis on the demand and supply of services . Thus are identified and commented relevant aspects of progress achieved by the regionalization of the water supply and sanitation (WSS) utilities, in order to prefigure a dynamic water sector's state of development in Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to highlight some of the main issues raised by developing and implementing the most appropriate approach to water pricing, and to induce a sustainable water management. Therefore, we define the concept and utility of water demand management as one objective of efficient water pricing. Next we analyse the basic economics and some important theoretical insights of water pricing. We further with state the main four inter-correlated principles of sustainable water pricing (full-cost recovery, economic efficiency, equity and administrative feasability) and the trends and challenges of their actual implementing in the water pricing policy of Romania and other EU countries. We end with a review of opinions, personal conclusions and recommendations on the actual opportunity, effectiveness and role of efficient water pricing in fulfilling the goals of sustainabilty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]