Case studies were meant to assess: (i) recent experiences with tariff structures and instruments aimed to improve the capacity to deal with affordability issues; and (ii) the difficulties of comparing cost recovery levels and financial sustainability of service providers. It was decided to rely as much as possible on data endorsed by the countries (for OECD members) and to avoid aggregation of local data into national indicators. In a number of countries, the regulation of water abstraction and wastewater discharges is funded through license fees and charges.