A next-generation platform for water economics research

A new chapter in water economics research is beginning with the introduction of the Journal of Water Economics (JWE), the open-access continuation of Water Resources and Economics (WRE), a leading journal in the field since 2013. Originally published by Elsevier, WRE will be discontinued at the end of 2025 after 52 issues and more than 250 articles. Its founding Editors-in-Chief, Roy Brouwer (Department of Economics, University of Waterloo) and Erik Ansink (School of Business & Economics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam), built the journal into a respected forum presenting (beyond) state-of-the-art research on the economics of water resources.

The journal received its first impact factor (IF) in 2017 and has consistently maintained a strong score for a specialized publication. Over the years, it has carved out a respected niche within the broader environmental and resource economics community. Supported by an outstanding Editorial Board, the journal has built a reputation for publishing high-quality research that serves and connects the growing global community of water economists.

To ensure continuity in rigor, quality, and relevance, the full Editorial Board decided to continue the journal independently, leading to the launch of JWE on November 1, 2025. Hosted by the University of Waterloo’s Department of Economics and endorsed by the European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (EAERE), JWE publishes all papers open access under a Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY 4.0), ensuring global visibility and accessibility without paywalls.

The first issue of JWE is expected in January 2026, offering a revitalized platform for researchers, students, and professionals working to understand and shape the future of water systems worldwide.

For more information about the new journal, please contact Roy Brouwer or Erik Ansink.