Main trends in water use in the Russian Federation at the present stage

The article examines the dynamics of the RF GDP, as well as the total water intake of the RF for the period from 2020 to 2022, and calculates the specific water capacity. It was established that the growth rate of water resources consumption exceeded the similar indicator of the GDP. This trend led to a gradual increase in the water capacity of the Russian economy from 0.69 m3 / thousand rubles in 2020 to 0.71 m3 / thousand rubles in 2022 (+ 0.02 m3 / thousand rubles, 2.6%). In order to improve the efficiency of water resources use and enhance the competitiveness of the Russian economy, the authors substantiate the formation of differentiated water tax rates that stimulate water users to reduce water losses during transportation. A similar approach is applicable in the sphere of state regulation of pricing (tariffs) for water resources for domestic and drinking water supply. In order to create conditions for long-term investments in the modernization of water supply and sanitation networks, construction of treatment facilities, it is necessary to abandon the annual revision of state-regulated prices (tariffs) for water resources in favor of a three-year period synchronized with a similar cycle of budget planning of the RF. The results of the study can be used by federal and regional government bodies in regulating water management activities.