EB1751 Economic Issues in Protecting Groundwater Quality. Private choices (farm) and social choices (government) affect resources that no one "owns." Economic analysis looks at conflicting uses, incentives, and social costs. Social policy stresses benefits, stewardship, management of common pool (or commons) resources, and sustainability. To relieve pressure on a common resource, a plan must fit the social customs of the area, achieve an affordable cost:benefit ratio, and physically sustain the resource. By Philip Wandschneider and James C. Barron, Washington State University Cooperative Extension. Published June 1993. 8 pages. $1.00