ABSTRACT
Abstract Water as a natural resource does not always have a cost and is not a commodity as it is not sold freely in the competitive market. With the growth in water use the necessity for water economy aimed at increasing water stocks is becoming more urgent. This means that water acquires the character of commodity. The experience of introducing payment for water in Russia has shown the existence of economic and technical problems. To solve these problems it is necessary to introduce measures such as the installation of water meters as well as measures such as training. At present it is planned to introduce a water tax and tariffs to compensate for the state expenditures on maintenance of state water resources utilization systems. However the size of these payments does not correspond to the financial ability of the majority of water users to pay and they will need help from the state which will play a significant role in forming the water market in Russia. In this sphere it is also necessary to use the experience of countries with market economy. Key words: payment problems, state role, transition to market, water payment, water user.
