An analysis of the current economic mechanism of stimulation of rational water use of the Rostov region, which consists of the following elements: water, expressed in the tariff policy of the region, program-target planning in the field of water use, environmental permitting and licensing of water management activities, preferential tax and investment policy, modernization and development of communal infrastructure, ecological monitoring are the main economic instruments used in each item, highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of the current economic mechanism.

Keywords: economic mechanism of stimulation, water use, rational water use, incentives, penalties