A computerized method for providing water of different quality categories or grades

Abstract

To provide a method and system for meeting needs for a stable price of fresh water based on water quality and for financial instruments based on such a price.SOLUTION: There is provided a method for computing a stable index value of fresh water based on a water quality category and / or water quality grade from current values of root commodities (marketed products) that either have fresh water as a constituent and / or fresh water used in production thereof, usable to develop a stable financial instrument for investing in fresh water. The method comprises: processing association between a root commodity and a water quality category of fresh water; displaying, on a display connected with a computer, updateable current prices of fresh water of a particular water quality category and / or water quality grade, and updateable current prices of one or more root commodities; and measuring at least one water source of fresh water with respect to at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrate, toxins and a sodium adsorption ratio so as to compare against standards to categorize the fresh water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for establishing a stable price for fresh water and using such prices to create financial products, and in particular, to systems and methods where the price or index value of fresh water is based on water quality.

[0002] Fresh water is an essential, irreplaceable commodity that is becoming scarce. It is also a highly desirable commodity for investment. Investment money is needed to conserve, purify, and distribute water. On the other hand, the market for water is highly sensitive to local and temporary factors, leading to price volatility. To invest safely in water, investors need additional protections.

[0003] It is important that water markets take water quality into account. This is true from an investor's rational economic point of view - the true value of water depends heavily on its quality. It is also true from a more idealistic point of view - the value of water to holders needs to reflect its quality, in order to increase the incentive to protect it.

[0004] A few factors make developing a reasonable price index for water, unlike other commodities, more difficult. First, water is a highly controlled commodity and its price often does not reflect its true market value. Second, water is an essential component in countless different processes. Different aspects of water quality have different impacts on the value of water for different uses.

[0005] Regarding the first difficulty, the political and economic importance of water limits the potential for trade as a policy tool to alleviate water scarcity, as already pointed out in US Patent No. 5,399,433, issued to inventor Shirazi on September 20, 2011 (hereinafter, the “Shirazi ’239 patent”), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Governments and local authorities, on the one hand, use water exit fees, flat taxes, and progressive taxation, and, on the other hand, develop water subsidies to protect local water supplies or encourage water-intensive industries (like agriculture). Water prices vary (e.g., 0.16-4.0 usd / m2), but the costs of water are often high (e.g., 0.16-4.0 usd / m2). 3 ), termination fees (e.g., 0-70% in different states in Australia), and tax rates (e.g., 10-50% progressive tax on agriculture and 30% subsidy in Israel). As a result, no one has been able to create a stable international market for water.

[0006] Regarding the second issue, the Tennessee Water Control Board (see Rules of the Tennessee Dept., Environment and Conservation Division, Water Pollution Control, Chapter 1200-4-1, http: / / tn.gov / sos / rules / 1200 / 1200-04 / 1200-04-01.pdf) points out that water has many uses that are reasonable and necessary in the public interest. Such uses include: a source of water for domestic and industrial purposes; the propagation and maintenance of fish and other aquatic life; recreation on water bodies, including the safe consumption of fish and shellfish; watering and irrigation of livestock; navigation; generation of power; propagation and maintenance of wildlife; and the enjoyment of the scenic and aesthetic properties of water bodies. A strict use of uniform water quality is neither desirable nor reasonable due to the differing uses of water as discussed above.

[0007] Thus, developing a uniform price index for water as a commodity requires taking into account modes of use and the interaction of use with quality factors in a way that differs from other commodities.

[0008] It is not possible to define specific "good" and "bad" points for water quality and assign them scores (as is done for other commodities). This is clearly stated, for example, by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations):

[0009] Conceptually, water quality refers to the characteristics of a water supply that affect its suitability for a particular use, i.e., how well the quality meets the needs of the user. Quality is defined by certain physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Even personal preferences, such as taste, are simple evaluations of acceptability. For example, if two drinking water supplies of equally good quality are available, people may prefer one supply over the other, with the better tasting water being the preferred supply. In the evaluation of irrigation water, the emphasis is on the chemical and physical characteristics of the water, and other factors are rarely considered important.

[0010] Specific uses have different quality needs, and one supply is deemed acceptable (of better quality) if it gives better results or causes fewer problems than an alternative supply. For example, river water of good quality that can be used successfully for irrigation may be unacceptable for municipal use because of its sediment load, unless it is treated to remove the sediment. Similarly, snowmelt water of very good quality for municipal use may be too corrosive for industrial use, unless it is treated to reduce its corrosion potential. Clearly, one cannot simply define the uses of the water and make the value a weighted average of the values ​​for each use, because this would put water intended for drinking at a disadvantage if it was also intended for agricultural use. In practice, there are such large differences in quantitative requirements that it is often advantageous to market drinking quality water to agriculture.

[0011] There is therefore a pressing need for a stable price for fresh water based on water quality, and financial products based on such a price. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8,024,239 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] One aspect of the invention is a method of investing in fresh water based on fresh water quality, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving, with a processing device, an updatable current price of at least one root commodity other than water, wherein each root commodity of the at least one root commodity has at least one of: (i) water as a component in the respective root commodity; and (ii) water used in the production of the respective root commodity; (b) mapping each of the at least one water quality categories to each root commodity of the at least one root commodity such that the quality of water used in the production of each root commodity meets the water quality standards of the respective water quality category from among the following water quality categories: natural quality, drinking water, domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water. (c) for each of the at least one water quality categories, using a processing device, determining an updatable current index value for fresh water meeting each of the at least one water quality categories, the index value being determined based on a current price of each of the root commodities matched to each of the water quality categories, and based on at least one of (i) the amount of fresh water as a component in each of the root commodities matched to each of the water quality categories, and (ii) the amount of fresh water used in the manufacture of each of the root commodities matched to each of the water quality categories.

[0014] A preferred embodiment of the method includes measuring at least one water source having fresh water for at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrate, toxins, and sodium adsorption, thereby classifying the fresh water of the at least one water source by one or more of (i) water quality categories and (ii) water quality classes.

[0015] A further preferred embodiment includes displaying, on a display connected to the computer, current updatable prices of one or more root commodities and, inter alia, (i) water quality categories, (ii) water quality classes, or (iii) current updatable prices of fresh water of a particular water quality class, wherein the current price of fresh water of a particular water quality depends on the current price of the one or more root commodities.

[0016] A further preferred embodiment includes the step of displaying, on a first portion of a display connected to the computer, one or more current index values ​​for fresh water and indicia identifying either water or a category of fresh water whose current price is displayed on the first portion, the display further displaying, on a second portion thereof, a current price of at least one root commodity for which at least one of the current index values ​​is calculated and indicia identifying the at least one root commodity whose current price is displayed on the second portion.

[0017] Yet further preferred embodiments include updating at least one of the displayed current index values ​​over time for public disclosure, and updating at least one of the displayed current prices of the root commodity over time for public disclosure.

[0018] A further preferred embodiment includes a step of determining, using the treatment device, a price of fresh water from the particular water source by determining a current value of suitability of fresh water from the particular water source for each of a plurality of water quality categories, and combining the current index values ​​of fresh water of each water quality category by weighting each combined index value by (i) the determined current value of suitability of fresh water from the particular water source for each of the plurality of water quality categories and (ii) the market share of water from each water quality category.

[0019] A further aspect of the invention is a method of investing in fresh water based on fresh water quality, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving, with a processing device, an updatable current price of at least one root commodity other than water, each root commodity of the at least one root commodity having at least one of (i) water as a component therein, and (ii) water used in the manufacture of the respective root commodity; (b) updating at least one of the current prices of at least one root commodity other than water, such that the quality of the component water in each root commodity meets water quality standards for each water quality category promulgated by at least one of the EEC, WHO, or United States. and (c) for each of the at least one water quality categories, determining with a processing device an updatable current index value of fresh water satisfying the respective water quality category, the index value being determined based on a current price of the respective root commodity matched to the respective water quality category and based on at least one of (i) the amount of fresh water as a component in the respective root commodity matched to the respective water quality category, and (ii) the amount of fresh water used in the production of the respective root commodity matched to the respective water quality category.

[0020] A preferred embodiment of the method includes displaying, on a display connected to the computer, current updatable prices of one or more root commodities and, inter alia, (i) water quality categories, (ii) water quality classes, or (iii) current updatable prices of fresh water of a particular water quality class, wherein the current price of fresh water of a particular water quality depends on the current prices of the one or more root commodities.

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the method includes displaying, on a first portion of a display connected to the computer, one or more of the current index values ​​for fresh water and indicia identifying either water or a category of fresh water whose current price is displayed on the first portion, the display further displaying, on a second portion thereof, a current price of at least one root commodity for which at least one of the current index values ​​is calculated and indicia identifying the at least one root commodity whose current price is displayed on the second portion.

[0022] Yet a further aspect of the invention is a method of using financial instruments to invest in fresh water based on water quality, comprising the steps of: determining, with a processing device, a price for each of the financial instruments that specifies on its face a specific amount of fresh water of a particular water quality category, wherein the price for each of the financial instruments is determined using an index value for fresh water of the particular water quality category; storing in a computer a water quality standard for at least one water quality category; receiving, with the processing device, an updatable current price for at least one root commodity other than water, wherein each root commodity of the at least one root commodity has at least one of (i) water as a component in said respective root commodity, and (ii) water used in the manufacture of said respective root commodity; wherein the quality of the water that is (i) a component in each root commodity or (ii) used in the manufacture of each root commodity is selected from the following water quality categories; natural quality, drinking water, domestic water, The method includes the steps of: associating a respective water quality category of at least one water quality category with a root commodity of at least one root commodity such that the root commodity satisfies a water quality standard for each water quality category from among agricultural water and industrial water, the water quality standard being promulgated by at least one of EEC, WHO, or the United States; determining, for each water quality category of the at least one water quality category, an updatable current index value of fresh water satisfying the respective water quality category using a processing device, the index value being determined based on a current price of each root commodity associated with the respective water quality category and based on at least one of (i) an amount of fresh water that is a component in each root commodity associated with the respective water quality category, and (ii) an amount of fresh water used in the manufacture of each root commodity associated with the respective water quality category.

[0023] A preferred embodiment of the method includes displaying, on a display coupled to the computer, updatable current prices of one or more root commodities and the updatable current price of fresh water of a particular (i) water quality category, (ii) water quality class, or (iii) water quality category and water quality class, wherein the current price of fresh water of a particular water quality depends on the current price of the one or more root commodities.

[0024] A further preferred embodiment of the method includes displaying at least one updateable current index value of the fresh water on a first portion of a display connected to the computer, the display further displaying on a second portion thereof the price of the at least one root commodity for which the at least one index value is calculated, the at least one index value and the price of the at least one root commodity each being updated over time.

[0025] In some preferred embodiments, the method also includes water quality categories with criteria specifying ranges for at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrates, toxins, and sodium adsorption.

[0026] In some further preferred embodiments, the method also includes water quality categories having standards specifying ranges for TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrates, toxins, and sodium adsorption.

[0027] In certain further preferred embodiments, the method includes using a specified amount of fresh water as fresh water amount collateral on each face of the financial instrument.

[0028] Yet a further aspect of the present invention is a system for buying and selling fresh water based on water quality, the system including a computer for receiving an updatable current price of at least one root commodity other than water, each root commodity of the at least one root commodity having at least one of (i) water as a component and (ii) water used in the production of the respective root commodity; storing water quality standards for at least one water quality category; processing an association of each of the at least one water quality category with the at least one root commodity of the at least one root commodity such that the quality of water used in the production of the root commodity meets the water quality standard of each water quality category from among the following water quality categories: natural quality, drinking water, domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water, the water quality standards being promulgated by at least one of EEC, WHO, or United States; and determining an updatable current index value of each fresh water of the water quality category based on the current price of each root commodity and based on at least one of (i) the amount of fresh water as a component in the root commodity associated with each water quality category and (ii) the amount of fresh water used in the production of the root commodity.

[0029] In some preferred embodiments, the system includes a display coupled to the computer for displaying the updatable current prices of one or more root commodities and the updatable current prices of fresh water of a particular (i) water quality category, (ii) water quality class, or (iii) water quality category and water quality class, such that the current price of fresh water of a particular water quality depends on the current price of the one or more root commodities. In some further preferred embodiments, the system includes a display coupled to the computer for displaying one or more of the updatable current index values ​​of fresh water and indicia identifying a category of water and a respective one of the fresh water current index values ​​displayed in the first portion, the display further displaying the current price of the at least one root commodity for which at least one of the updatable current index values ​​is calculated and indicia identifying each of the at least one root commodity for which the current price is displayed on the display. In another preferred embodiment, the system includes a display connected to the computer for displaying, on a first portion of the display, one or more current index values ​​of fresh water and indicia identifying a category of water or fresh water for each one of the current index values ​​displayed on the first portion, and the display displays, on a second portion thereof, a current price of at least one root commodity for which at least one of the current index values ​​is calculated and indicia identifying the at least one root commodity whose current price is displayed on the second portion.

[0030] Certain preferred embodiments of the system further include at least one water quality category from: (i) a first water quality category of water that meets minimum standards for drinking or domestic use; (ii) a second water quality category of water that does not meet the standards for drinking water but meets minimum standards for agricultural quality water; and (iii) a third water quality category that does not meet the standards for agricultural quality water and drinking water but meets minimum standards for industrial quality water.

[0031] In some preferred embodiments of the system, the water quality criteria categories specify ranges for at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrates, toxins, and sodium adsorption.

[0032] The system, in some preferred embodiments, further includes a water quality measurement device for measuring fresh water from at least one water source having fresh water for at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrates, toxins, and sodium adsorption ratio to classify the fresh water of the at least one water source by water quality category.

[0033] In certain preferred embodiments of the system, the computer is also for determining a price of fresh water coming from the particular water source by measuring a current value of suitability of fresh water coming from each of the particular water sources in at least one water quality category and by combining (i) the determined current value of suitability of fresh water from each of the particular water sources in at least one water quality category and (ii) the current index values ​​of fresh water of each water quality category by weighting the respective combined index values ​​by the market share of water from each of the at least one water quality category.

[0034] Yet a further aspect of the present invention is a further system for buying and selling fresh water based on water quality, the system receiving an updatable current price of at least one root commodity other than water, each root commodity having at least one of (i) water as a component in the root commodity, and (ii) water used in the manufacture of the root commodity; storing water quality standards for at least one water quality category; and determining whether the quality of the component water in each root commodity satisfies the water quality standards for each water quality category from the following water quality categories: natural quality, drinking water, domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water. and determining, based on a current price of each of said root commodities, and based on at least one of (i) the amount of fresh water that is a component in the root commodity associated with each of said water quality categories, and (ii) the amount of fresh water used in the production of the root commodity.

[0035] The further system, in some preferred embodiments, includes a display coupled to the computer for displaying updateable current prices of one or more root commodities and updateable current prices of fresh water of particular (i) water quality categories, (ii) water quality classes, or (iii) water quality categories and classes, such that the current price of fresh water of a particular water quality depends on the current prices of the one or more root commodities. In some other preferred embodiments, the further system includes a display coupled to the computer for displaying one or more of the updateable current index values ​​of fresh water and indicia identifying a category of water or fresh water for each one of the updateable current index values ​​displayed in the first portion, the display further displaying a current price of the at least one root commodity for which at least one of the updateable current index values ​​is calculated and indicia identifying each of the at least one root commodity for which the current price is displayed on the display.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment of the system, the water quality standards specify ranges for at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrates, toxins, and sodium adsorption.

[0037] Another aspect of the invention is yet a further system for buying and selling fresh water based on water quality, the system including at least one computer of a commodity exchange that outputs prices of non-water commodities, at least one of the commodities being a root commodity having water as a component or using fresh water in its production; a system computer including a processing device, the system computer being connected to the at least one computer of the at least one commodity exchange and configured to receive updatable price data of commodities from the at least one computer of the at least one commodity exchange, and further configured to identify a root commodity and extract a current price of the identified root commodity from the updatable price data; the system computer processing device storing water quality standards for at least one water quality category, the quality of water used in the production of each identified root commodity being within each of the following water quality categories: natural quality, drinking water, domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water. and (ii) a quantity of fresh water used in the manufacture of each of the identified root commodities associated with each of the at least one water quality categories, the quantity of fresh water being determined based on a current price of each of the identified root commodities associated with each of the at least one water quality categories and based on at least one of (i) a quantity of fresh water that is a component in each of the identified root commodities associated with each of the at least one water quality categories, and (ii) a quantity of fresh water used in the manufacture of each of the identified root commodities associated with each of the at least one water quality categories, the system computer being configured to transmit the calculated current index value of each of the water quality categories to the at least one computer.

[0038] Certain preferred embodiments of this yet further system include a display coupled to the at least one computer, the display displaying at least one current index value of fresh water in the water quality category and displaying a price of the at least one identified root commodity from which the at least one current index value of fresh water is calculated, the displayed at least one current index value of fresh water being updated over time and the displayed price of the at least one identified root commodity being updated over time.

[0039] Another preferred embodiment of this other system comprises a display coupled to the at least one computer, the display displaying in a first portion thereof at least one current index value of fresh water of the water quality category and in a second portion thereof a price of the at least one identified root commodity for which the at least one current index value of fresh water has been calculated, the displayed at least one current index value of fresh water being updated over time and the displayed price of the at least one identified root commodity being updated over time.

[0040] The system may further include, in certain preferred embodiments, a processor for determining a price for each of a plurality of financial instruments that specify on their face a particular amount of fresh water of a particular water quality category, the price of each financial instrument being determined using a current index value for fresh water of a water quality category.

[0041] A still further aspect of the present invention is a still further method of investing in fresh water based on fresh water quality, the method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving, with a processing device, an updatable current price of at least one root commodity, the root commodity being other than water, each root commodity of the at least one root commodity having at least one of: (i) water as a component of the respective root commodity; and (ii) water used in the manufacture of the respective root commodity; (b) associating with the at least one root commodity of the at least one root commodity a respective one of at least one water quality categories, the at least one water quality category being a category selected from the group consisting of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, and / or phosphate; , nitrates, toxins and sodium adsorption rate; and (c) for each of the at least one water quality category, determining an updatable current index value of fresh water satisfying the respective water quality category, the index value being determined based on a current price of the respective root commodity associated with the respective water quality category and based on at least one of (i) the amount of fresh water that is a component in the respective root commodity associated with the respective water quality category, and (ii) the amount of fresh water used in the production of the respective root commodity associated with the respective water quality category.

[0042] Some preferred embodiments of the still further method include displaying, on a display connected to the computer, one or more of the updatable current index values ​​of fresh water and indicia identifying water or a category of fresh water whose current index value is displayed on the display, the display displaying a current price of the at least one root commodity for which at least one of the current index values ​​is calculated and indicia identifying each of the at least one root commodity for which the current price is displayed on the display. Other preferred embodiments of the still further method include displaying, on a first portion of a display connected to the computer, one or more of the updatable current index values ​​of fresh water and indicia identifying water or a category of fresh water whose current price is displayed on the first portion, the display displaying, on a second portion thereof, the updatable current price of the at least one root commodity for which at least one of the current index values ​​is calculated and indicia identifying each of the at least one root commodity for which the current price is displayed on the second portion.

[0043] Still further, in some preferred embodiments, the method further comprises using the treatment device to adjust the price of the natural spring water based on the suitability of the natural spring water for at least one of: (i) drinking use; (ii) agricultural use; and (iii) industrial use.

[0044] Still further certain preferred embodiments of the method include using the treatment device to adjust the price of the non-natural spring water based on the suitability of the non-natural spring water for at least one of: (i) drinking use; (ii) agricultural use; and (iii) industrial use.

[0045] Some preferred embodiments of still further methods include using a processing device to determine a price for each of a plurality of financial instruments that specify on their face a particular quantity of fresh water of a particular water quality category, where the price for each financial instrument is determined using a current index value for fresh water of a water quality category. Still further, the method, in some preferred embodiments, further comprises measuring at least one water source having fresh water for at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrates, toxins, and sodium adsorption to classify the fresh water of the at least one water source by water quality category.

[0046] Still further, the method, in some preferred embodiments, includes measuring at least one source of fresh water for at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrates, toxins, and sodium adsorption to classify the at least one source of fresh water by a water quality class within the at least one source of fresh water quality category.

[0047] Yet a further aspect of the invention is a further system for buying and selling fresh water based on water quality, the system comprising: a water quality measuring device for measuring fresh water of at least one water source with respect to at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrates, toxins, and sodium adsorption; the computer for receiving data from the water quality measuring device for the fresh water regarding at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrates, toxins, and sodium adsorption; comparing the received data to stored water quality standards to determine a water quality category of the fresh water; determining a current price of at least one root commodity, each root commodity being other than water, each root commodity of the at least one root commodity having at least one of (i) water as a component in the root commodity and (ii) water used in the production of the root commodity; processing an association between the at least one water quality category and each of the at least one root commodity; and determining a current fresh water index value for each of the at least one water quality category based on the current price of each root commodity and based on at least one of (i) the amount of fresh water that is a component in the root commodity associated with the respective water quality category and (ii) the amount of fresh water used in the production of the root commodity.

[0048] In a further system, in some preferred embodiments, the computer is for determining water quality classes, processing the association of each of the at least one water quality class with at least one root commodity, and for determining a current index value of fresh water for each water quality class based on a current price of each root commodity and based on at least one of (i) the amount of fresh water that is a component in the root commodity associated with each water quality class, and (ii) the amount of fresh water used in the manufacture of the root commodity. In some preferred embodiments, the further system includes a display coupled to the computer, the display for displaying the updatable current prices of the one or more root commodities and the updatable current prices of fresh water for the particular (i) water quality category, (ii) water quality class, or (iii) water quality category and water quality class, such that the current price of fresh water for the particular water quality depends on the current price of the one or more root commodities. In some preferred embodiments, the updatable current prices of the one or more root commodities and the updatable current prices of fresh water for the particular (i) water quality category, (ii) water quality class, or (iii) water quality category and water quality class are located in different portions of the display.

[0049] One aspect of the invention is a method of investing in fresh water based on fresh water quality, the method including the steps of: (a) receiving, using a processing device, an updatable current price of at least one root commodity, the root commodity being other than water, each root commodity of the at least one root commodity having at least one of: (i) water as a component of the respective root commodity; and (ii) water used in the production of the respective root commodity; (b) associating at least one water quality category with the at least one root commodity; and (c) determining, for each water quality category of the at least one water quality category, an updatable current index value of fresh water satisfying the respective water quality category, the index value being determined based on the current price of the at least one root commodity associated with the respective water quality category and based on at least one of: (i) a quantity of fresh water that is a component in the at least one root commodity associated with the respective water quality category; and (ii) a quantity of fresh water used in the production of the at least one root commodity associated with the respective water quality category.

[0050] A further aspect of the present invention is a system for buying and selling fresh water based on water quality, the system receiving an updatable current price of at least one root commodity other than water, each root commodity of the at least one root commodity having at least one of (i) water as a component, and (ii) water used in the manufacture of said respective root commodity; storing water quality standards promulgated by at least one of the EEC, WHO, or United States for at least two water quality categories from among the following water quality categories: natural quality, drinking water, domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water; the computer for processing an association of each of at least one water quality category with a financial product that specifies on its face a particular quantity of fresh water that meets Lee's water quality standards, where the price of the financial product is based on the particular quantity of fresh water and a current index value of the fresh water of the particular water quality category, and determining, based on the current price of each said root commodity, and based on at least one of (i) the quantity of fresh water that is a component in the root commodity associated with each said water quality category, and (ii) the quantity of fresh water used in the production of the root commodity.

[0051] One preferred embodiment of the system is for displaying current, updatable prices of one or more root commodities and current, updatable prices of fresh water of a particular (i) water quality category, (ii) water quality class, or (iii) water quality category and water quality class, such that the current price of fresh water of a particular water quality depends on the current prices of the one or more root commodities.

[0052] Yet a further aspect of the present invention is a system for buying and selling fresh water based on water quality, the system receiving an updatable current price of at least one root commodity other than water, each root commodity of the at least one root commodity having at least one of (i) water as a component, and (ii) water used in the production of said respective root commodity, storing water quality standards promulgated by at least one of the EEC, WHO, or United States for at least two water quality categories from among the following water quality categories: natural quality, drinking water, domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water, and updating said respective root commodity prices based on the current price of said at least one root commodity. and a computer for determining, based on a current price of the root commodity, and based on at least one of (i) the amount of freshwater that is a component in the root commodity associated with each of the water quality categories, and (ii) the amount of freshwater used in the production of the root commodity, an updatable current index value for each of the freshwater in the water quality categories; and financial instruments, each of which specifies on its face a particular quantity of freshwater that meets the water quality standards for each of the following water quality categories: natural quality, drinking water, domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water, the price of which is based on the particular quantity of freshwater and the current index value of the freshwater for the particular water quality category. In one version of the system, each financial instrument specifies on its face a particular quantity of freshwater that meets the water quality standards for each of the following water quality categories: domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water. In some preferred embodiments of the system, each financial instrument specifies on its face a particular quantity of freshwater that meets the water quality standards for each of the following water quality categories: domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water.

[0053] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0054] Various embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] [Figure 1] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flow chart illustrating a further method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flow chart illustrating a further method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a flow chart illustrating a further method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a display according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of a display different from that shown in FIG. 5A according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the system of the present invention according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the system of the present invention according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a further system of the present invention according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a further system of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a display according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0056] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined in the appended claims.

[0057] The present invention generally provides a method and system for establishing a stable price for fresh water based on fresh water quality. This may be applied to fresh water from a particular water source. A financial product that specifies on its face a particular amount of fresh water of a particular water quality category may offer a price determined using an index value of fresh water for the particular water quality category. The method of the present invention includes determining a current price for at least one root commodity using a processing device, each root commodity being other than water, each root commodity of the at least one root commodity having at least one of (i) water as a component in the respective root commodity, and (ii) water used in the manufacture of the respective root commodity. The method may further include associating or matching at least one water quality category and / or water quality class with the at least one root commodity such that the quality of water that is a component in the root commodity or used in the manufacture of the root commodity meets the water quality criteria for the respective water quality category. The method may further include determining a current index value of fresh water for each water quality category of the at least one water quality category using a processing device. The method may further include measuring the fresh water of at least one water source with respect to a chemical or physical criterion, such as at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrate, toxins, and sodium absorption rate, thereby determining a water quality category and / or water quality class of the fresh water from the water source. The system of the present invention may include a water quality measuring device for measuring the fresh water of at least one water source with respect to at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrate, toxins, and sodium absorption rate. The system may further include a computer for receiving data from the water quality measuring device for the fresh water with respect to at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrate, toxins, and sodium absorption rate, and for comparing the received data to stored water quality standards to determine a water quality category of the fresh water.The computer may further determine a current price of at least one root commodity (a root commodity other than water), each of the at least one root commodity having at least one of (i) water as a component in the root commodity and (ii) water used in the production of the root commodity. The computer may further process an association of at least one root commodity with each of at least one water quality categories, and determine an updatable current index value of each freshwater of the water quality categories based on the current price of each root commodity, based on at least one of (i) the amount of freshwater as a component in the root commodity associated with each water quality category and (ii) the amount of freshwater used in the production of the root commodity. The present invention may further include a display connected to the computer in the method or system that displays the updatable current price of one or more root commodities and the updatable current price of freshwater of a particular (i) water quality category, (ii) water quality class, or (iii) water quality category and water quality class, where the current price of freshwater of a particular water quality depends on the current price of the one or more root commodities. The independent variables (price of the root commodity) may be displayed in different parts of the display, and the dependent variables are the prices of fresh water of particular water quality categories and / or water quality classes.

[0058] In contrast to the prior art, where there is no method or system for establishing a stable price for fresh water other than the '239 patent, and where the price in the '239 patent does not take into account the quality of the water, the method and system of the present invention allows for the development of a stable price for fresh water and associated financial products that take into account the quality of the water. By taking into account the quality of the water, the price can be made more accurate, more stable, and more tailored to different water sources in different parts of the world. Indeed, today, bottled water from the Swiss Alps is sometimes priced at inflated prices, i.e., higher than would be justified by the reputation of the water being of superior quality, but in reality, its quality is degraded by environmental pollution from pharmaceutical companies around the Alps. The present invention provides a more accurate quality-based price, since the price is related to the quality of the water, and the quality of the water source is measured and this measurement is updated at reasonable intervals, e.g., annually. Furthermore, basing the price of water on the quality of the water allows for a better use of water resources as financial collateral. This further allows for easier trading at a time when new stock is being sought, especially in Europe. In contrast to the prior art, where the price of water may not be based on water quality category, the use of water quality categories encourages better water quality by creating a price and using the price to develop a financial product, since better quality water may command a higher price. In further contrast to the prior art, the present invention may adjust the price of water based on the geographic location of the water source. In contrast to the prior art, where the display may only display one type of commodity, the display used in the method and system of the present invention may display both the price (or index) of one or more root commodities and the price (or index) of one or more categories and / or classes of fresh water based on quality, and the price of fresh water may be calculated from the price of one or more of the root commodities.Further, in contrast to the prior art where a display of commodity prices may have different prices for different commodities within a particular portion of the display, but without any dependency between the displayed price of one commodity and the displayed price of another commodity, a display associated with the systems and methods of the present invention may display the prices of one or more root commodities and one or more quality categories and / or one or more prices or indices of fresh water, where the price of the water is calculated from the price of the one or more of the root commodities. Further, in certain preferred embodiments, the display of the methods and systems of the present invention includes a display of the prices of one or more root commodities in a first portion of the display, and the prices of various quality categories and / or grades of fresh water in a second portion of the display, where the price of the one or more quality categories and / or grades of fresh water displayed in the second portion of the display may be calculated from and dependent on the displayed price of one or more of the root commodities displayed in the first portion of the display. Each of these displayed prices may be continually updated. By displaying the price of the water commodity and the price of the root commodity from which the price of the water commodity was thus calculated, a user of the display may be provided with an at-a-glance view of the relationship of the price of the water to the price of the root commodity. This may allow the user of the display to better understand this relationship between the commodities. Furthermore, displaying the water index separately from other commodities may draw attention to new uses of water as a commodity and encourage improvements in water quality, since the price of water is related to fresh water quality categories and / or grades. In contrast to the prior art, which measures water only to see if it meets minimum standards for drinking, the present invention may include measuring the quality of the water source (e.g., for TDS, carbonates, pH, etc.) to fit the water into water quality categories (i.e., natural, domestic, agricultural, industrial) and, optionally, into grades within each category. Furthermore, in contrast to the prior art, the present invention may include measuring the quality of the water source to create categories of water quality to create separate prices (base price or otherwise) for each water quality category.

[0059] The principles and operation of a method and system for a fresh water price index based on water quality according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

[0060] Below are some examples of how to calculate the price of fresh water based on water quality (and financial products based on such prices).

[0061] "Fresh water" should be understood to include fresh water in the form of ice, e.g., frozen in an iceberg. When reference is made in this patent application to "associating," "associating," or "matching" a water quality category with a root commodity, this should be understood to encompass associating or matching the root commodity with only some of the water quality categories (i.e., classes). For example, matching a root commodity with an A1 class (where "A" is a water quality category) should be understood to be within the scope of and an example of matching or associating a water quality category with a root commodity.

[0062] To define a stable market for water based on water quality, a few basic water quality categories may be defined. Using US Patent No. 5,399,313 to Shirazi, a market value may be defined for each water quality category or water category use used based on the price of a freely traded commodity requiring water of each quality type. Price indexes for various qualities of water may then be defined based on available uses and prices. Finally, a price for water from a particular source may be calculated based on the suitability of the water for various categories of water qualities or uses.

[0063] Categories - Four general categories of water uses: 1. Natural quality - untreated as mineral or spring water, suitable for sale or quotation 1a. Drinking water derived from icebergs, treated or untreated 2. Household Use - (High Quality) - Generally suitable for optional treatment (e.g., adding chlorine, fluoride, or other supplements), sale, and distribution for drinking or other residential purposes (i.e., showering) to flow from the tap rather than being bottled for sale. 3. Agricultural quality - medium quality 4. Industrial quality – Minimum quality, no damage to machinery or manufacturing process. Water quality may be characterized by the following aspects: 1. Total evaporation residue (TD) 2. Carbonate content (H3CO3) 3. pH 4. Hardness (Ca, Mg) - expressed as mg / l CaCO3. 5. Sodium (Na) 6. Chloride (Cl) 7. Nitrate (NO3) 8. Toxin 9. Sodium adsorption rate (SA)

[0064] (Specific conditions) Natural water To be marketable as spring or mineral water, water must come from a natural source that is drinkable untreated. In general, this requires that the water meets drinking standards and is protected from contact with human diseases. In practice, this only applies to natural groundwater (deep groundwater or groundwater from uninhabited areas) that meets drinking standards.

[0065] To qualify as natural, the water must come from either a deep confined aquifer or a protected area (e.g., an uninhabited area).

[0066] Toxins must be included within drinking water standards. It is not the intent here to list all toxins in water, as they are known in standards and standards change over time as to what constitutes a toxin. Rather, the following is an example of how standards can be developed from available knowledge to generate a systematic quality-based value system for water. An Example of a Drinking Water Standard for Toxins

[0067] [Table 1]

[0068] In certain preferred embodiments, natural spring water may be further classified into classes, for example, bottled water (which is an example of water from a natural source) may be classified into classes based on whether the bottled water is of high, medium, or low relative quality, e.g., A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I ... bottled 1. A bottled 2. A bottled Label / grade it as a 3.

[0069] Total Dry Matter (TDS) Regulations regarding TDS vary around the world. In the United States, for example, bottled water must contain at least 250 mg / l TDS to be labelled as mineral water. A TDS of 500 mg / l or more qualifies the water as "low mineral content", and 1,500 mg / l or more is allowed to be labelled as "high mineral content".

[0070] Distilled water has a TDS of 0 mg / l, while seawater has about 34,000 mg / l. Most bottled waters fall in the TDS range of 50-800 mg / l (Ducale, 55 mg / l; Panna, 188 mg / l; Fiji, 210 mg / l; Evian, 357 mg / l; Perrier, 475 mg / l), but many highly acclaimed waters have much higher TDS (San Pellegrino, 1,109 mg / l; Badoit, 1,200 mg / l; Contrex, 2,032 mg / l; Gerolsteiner, 2,527 mg / l). Some of these waters are considered therapeutic - their mineral composition is believed to have healing properties (Famous Crazy, 2,783 mg / l; Vichy Celestms, 3,378 mg / l). However, some treated waters have low TDS, for example Fiuggi has a TDS of only 122mg / l.

[0071] hardness Hard water does not negatively affect health or taste. According to the US National Research Council, the magnesium and calcium in hard water can actually contribute to daily dietary requirements.

[0072] pH pH has only a small effect on the taste of water and has no known health benefits.

[0073] household use Water that meets standards for drinking quality but does not come from a protected source is not recommended for drinking unless it is treated (some bottles of such water are sold untreated, but selling such water has been frowned upon and has led to disease outbreaks). Under arbitrary conditions, certain brands of "spring water" from rural sources may command high prices, but this is not a function of the quality of the water.

[0074] Generally, in addition to meeting health and taste standards, domestic water must also be suitable for general use and transportation, which places constraints on domestic quality that are not found in more expensive natural waters. for example, The pH of household water should not be too low (to prevent pipe corrosion and seepage) · Household water should not be too hard (Ca, Mg). Hard water makes cleaning more difficult and increases your reliance on soaps and detergents. Hardness causes scaling in the boiler. Soft water adds sodium and does not have any negative effect on the taste of the water. · Drinking water standards do not tolerate much TDS in household water (as opposed to well-known mineral waters).

[0075] [Table 2]

[0076] agricultural A very important factor in the suitability of irrigation water is its salt content. Suitability of irrigation water is determined by the type of salt and not just the total amount of salt present (measured as TDS). Problems caused by salts vary in both type and extent and are modified by the soil, climate, and crop as well as the skill and knowledge of the water user. As a result, no limits are set for water quality. Rather, suitability for use is determined by the conditions of use, which affect the accumulation of water constituents and may limit crop production. The soil problems most commonly encountered and used as criteria for assessing water quality are those related to salinity, water infiltration, toxicity, and various other problem groups.

[0077] Salinity - Salts in the soil or water reduce their availability to the crop to such an extent that yield is affected.

[0078] Water infiltration rate - A relatively high sodium content or low calcium content in the soil or water will reduce the rate at which irrigation water enters the soil to the point that it cannot infiltrate sufficiently to adequately supply the crop from one irrigation to the next.

[0079] Specific ion toxicity - specific ions (sodium, chloride, or boron) from the soil or water accumulate in sensitive crops to concentrations high enough to stop crop damage and reduce yields.

[0080] Other - Excessive nutrients reduce yield or quality. Unsightly buildup on fruit and leaves reduces market value. Excessive corrosion of equipment increases maintenance and repairs.

[0081] An important factor for the suitability of agricultural water that is not included in the drinking water standards is Na / ((Ca+Mg) / 2). 1 / 2 where SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) is defined as, where Na, Ca, and Mg are the equivalent concentrations of each ion in me / l. According to FAO, the ability of water to infiltrate is controlled by SAR and TDS approximately as follows:

[0082] [Table 3]

[0083] [Table 4]

[0084] Water may be defined as suitable for agriculture only if specific plant toxins, as well as drinking water toxins, are within the limits listed in Table 2 of the accompanying FAO document Water Quality for Agriculture http: / / www.fao.org / docrerj / 003 / T0234E / T0234EQ1.htmtfchl.2.industrial.

[0085] One may assume that industrial applications have a minimum requirement for effectiveness that water does not damage machinery.

[0086] [Table 5]

[0087] Quality Category - Index Price Based on the analysis of the relevant aspects of water quality, we can design a uniform basis of pricing for determining prices. For example, a pricing structure may classify water according to its more or less strict use. Various quality aspects may then be used to determine quality categories within each major use category.

[0088] Water Category Water may be classified into four general use categories: A. At least meets the minimum standards for a home B. Agricultural - does not meet drinking standards by meeting at least the minimum agricultural standards C. Industrial - does not meet agricultural or drinking standards but meets at least the minimum industrial standards

[0089] Water Quality Categories Natural water Natural water is water from a natural source that is untreated and drinkable. To qualify as natural, the water must be from either a deep artesian aquifer or a protected area (e.g., an uninhabited area). Toxins must be included within drinking water standards. For example, to qualify as "natural", water must meet the minimum drinking water standards of some large organization, e.g., the United States, EEC or WHO, for toxin content. In some cases, natural drinkable water standards may differ from (and be less strict than) municipal water quality standards.

[0090] Natural water must come from a protected source and meet the requirements of Table 1 and, except where these conditions differ from those of Table 1, must be within EEC standards for drinking water.

[0091] Since the market value of bottled and spring water is limited, the value of spring water depends on its secondary use. Spring water of market quality (A1, A2, A3) may be given a value of 1 / 3 of the value of purified water + 2 / 3 of the value of water for domestic use. Spring water without market quality (B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3) may be given a value of 1 / 4 of the value of bottled water + 2 / 3 of the value of water for secondary use (since spring water is supposed to be used for drinking, it will lose a lot of value if it does not meet the standard for drinking). These assigned fractions (1 / 3 and 2 / 3, 1 / 4 and 3 / 4) are just examples of fractions that may be selected to achieve the weighted combinations, other fraction sums (or non-fractional coefficients) may be used.

[0092] For example, the value of purified water (used to calculate the value of natural water) may be calculated from the values ​​of water ready to drink (bottled water and purified water). An example of such a calculation is given in US Pat. No. 5,399,633, in which the value of purified water is labeled Pb and is often referred to as "bottled water." Herein, the terms "bottled water" and Pb may also be used in the more general sense of "water ready to drink."

[0093] In an alternative configuration, the natural water may be used for a second f * If A1 water also meets the A2 criteria, then * = 1.2. If A2 water does not meet the A2 criteria but does meet the A3 criteria, f * = 1. If the water in A1 does not meet the A3 criterion but does meet the B3 criterion, then f * = 0.5. If the water in A2 does not meet either the A3 or B1 criteria, f * =0.3.

[0094] A1, A2, A3: Home use Water that meets drinking water quality standards but does not necessarily come from a protected source is not recommended for drinking untreated.

[0095] A1 water must meet the requirements for good quality drinking water in Table 2 and, except where these requirements differ from the requirements for good quality drinking water in Table 2, must be within EEC standards for drinking.

[0096] A2 water shall meet the requirements for medium quality drinking water in Table 2 and, except where the requirements differ from those for medium quality drinking water in Table 2, shall be within EEC standards for drinking water.

[0097] A3 water must meet the conditions for poor quality drinking water in Table 2 and, except where the conditions differ from those for poor quality drinking water in Table 2, must be within EEC standards for drinking.

[0098] B1, B2, B3: Agricultural use Category B is for water that is not natural and is not suitable for drinking (domestic) use but is suitable for agricultural use. B1 - Meets the moderate quality criteria in Table 3 and the high quality criteria in Table 4. B2 - Meets all of the moderate quality criteria in Tables 3 and 4. B3 - Meets all low quality criteria in Tables 3 and 4.

[0099] As with toxins in drinking water, water may be defined as suitable for agriculture only if the specific plant toxins are within the limits listed in Table 2 of the accompanying FAO document Water Quality for Agriculture http: / / wwwXao.org / docrep / 003 / TO234E / T0234E01.htm#ch1.2 (incorporated herein by reference).

[0100] Alternatively, agricultural water may be graded by its suitability for a given crop: for example, water suitable for all crops may be defined as B1, while water suitable for cereals and trees but not vegetables may be defined as B2, and water suitable only for trees may be defined as B3.

[0101] C1, C2, C3: Industrial Category C is for water that is not natural and is not suitable for drinking (domestic) use, nor suitable for agricultural use, but is suitable for industrial use. Subcategories of category C may be created. for example, C1 - Meets all high quality criteria in Table 5. C2 - Meets all of the moderate quality criteria in Table 5. C3 - Meets all low quality criteria in Table 5.

[0102] Pricing From the above, various possible pricing systems can be made. For example, from US Pat. No. 5,399,343 to Shirazi, the price of water depending on the use is as follows:

[0103] [Table 6]

[0104] Bottling = bottling + refining: Part=Wb=0.05+0.0005=0.0505; Price = Pb = (.05($1.75) + 0.0005($200) / 0.0505 = $3.71 Household use = Household use + Export goods + Desalination; Part=Wd=0.05+0.5+.0995=0.6S; Price = Pd = (.05 ($0.92) + 0.5 ($0.77) + 0.0995 ($2.11)) / 0.65 = $0.99 Agriculture = food crops Part = Wa = 0.2: Price=Pa=$0,040 Industrial = Biofuel Part=Wi=0.1; Price=Pi=$0.022

[0105] [Table 7]

[0106] In Table 6 above, "portion (W)" may be stated as the market share of that category of water in the total fresh water market.

[0107] Let the base water price for agricultural use be Pa = $0.04.The price is then adjusted as follows:The three columns in Table 7a below represent the various levels of compliance with a particular water quality standard for water originating from a particular source or for a particular water being sold.

[0108] Water pricing:

[0109] [Table 8]

[0110] Natural water of market quality (A1, A2, A3) may be given a value of 1 / 3 the value of purified water + 2 / 3 the value of domestic water. These assigned fractions (1 / 3 and 2 / 3, 1 / 4 and 3 / 4) are merely examples of fractions that may be selected to achieve the weighted combinations; other fraction sums (or non-fractional coefficients) may be used.

[0111] Natural waters of market quality (B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3) may be given a value of 1 / 4 the value of purified water + 3 / 4 the value of secondary use water. The selection of diversions may vary, this is an example of how the weighted combination can be expressed mathematically.

[0112] [Table 9]

[0113] The calculated price is the price factor times the reference price (Pa = $0.04). The resulting index price is therefore 1m 3 That's $1.

[0114] [Table 10]

[0115] [Table 11]

[0116] Water price indices may take into account geographic priorities (i.e., natural A1 water in Iceland may be more valuable than A1 water in Brazil).

[0117] When formulating the final price for fresh water, packaging infrastructure, distance from market, and transportation route may also have to be taken into account. Transportation and storage costs are a significant part of the overall price paid by the buyer at the final price. Fresh water prices displayed on commodity exchanges or used in financial instruments may or may not include storage and transportation costs. Examples of packaging include shipping containers, large plastic bags that hold fresh water, and intact (at source) storage. Optionally, because, like water, a large portion of the price of natural gas is for transportation, the market for natural gas may be considered a model for these storage and transportation factors.

[0118] (Example) Based on the above water, the sufficient water supply in a city would be rated (for example) A2.

[0119] Ulvato's bottled water is of class A1 (natural), but does not meet domestic water standards (up to high TDS) or agricultural standards (up to low pH), and therefore f *= 0.3, and .3 * 1.88 = $0.57 / m 3 will be evaluated as

[0120] Ulvato Water: 752 TD 5.8 ph factor 796 hardness 171 Calcium 79 Chloride 1. Fluoride 574 Hydrogen carbonate 28. Magnesium 6.9 Nitrates 8. Potassium 11 Silica 74 Sodium 104 Sulfates

[0121] The water in Santa Vittoria is natural and has a rating of A1. It does not meet the A2 quality domestic water standard (too high TDS carbonates and nitrates), but it does meet the A3 standard, so f * =1 and the price index is $1.88 / m3.

[0122] Santa Vittoria Analysis): Water source temperature: 47°F (8.3°C) 169 TD 8 pH Factor 36.2 Calcium 0.9 Chloride 189.0 Hydrogen carbonate 18.4 Magnesium 2.5 Nitrates 0.5 Potassium 0.6 Sodium

[0123] For example, Lake Placid, New York is rated A2, so $0.90 / m 3 Get the indicative price.

[0124] Pricing - another possible system Other possible pricing schemes can be made. For example, starting from the indicative price of US Patent No. 6,133,666 for Shirazi (Table 6), another way to calculate the price is to add a fitness factor (f) to the US Patent No. 6,133,666 price equation for Shirazi: P=Fb*Pb*Wb+Fd*Pd*Wdb+Fa*Pa*Wa+Fi*Pi*Wi

[0125] For example, regarding any water and its uses: If the water is of high quality for its use, f=1.0 If the water is of medium quality for its use, f=0.8 If the water is of poor quality for its use, f=0.5 If the water is not suitable for the purpose, f=0.25

[0126] Therefore, the price of water suitable for bottling (Fb=1.0), highly suitable for domestic use (Fd=1.0), well suitable for agriculture (Fa=1.0) and well suitable for industry (Fi=1.0) may be calculated as a combination of the following factors: 1.0*0.05*3.71+1.0*0.65*0.99+1.0*0.2*0.4+1.0*0.1*-0.0220=0.83

[0127] In another example, the price of water that is not suitable for bottling (Fb=0.25), somewhat suitable for domestic use (Fd=0.8), well suitable for agriculture (Fa=1.0), and well suitable for industry (Fi=1.0) may be calculated by combining: 0.25*0.05*3.71+0.8*0.65*0.99+1.0*0.2*0.4+1.0*0.1*0.022=0.57

[0128] In a third example, the price of water suitable for bottling (Fb=1.0), not very suitable for domestic use (Fd=0.5), not very suitable for agriculture (Fa=0.5), and fully suitable for industry (Fi=1.0) may be calculated as follows: 1.0*0.05*3.71+0.5*0.65*0.99+0.5*0.2*0.4+1.0*0.1*0.022=0.57.

[0129] In each of the above three embodiments, each of the four addends includes three multiplicands including (1) a water suitability factor for each water quality category, (2) the market share of the water quality category, and (3) a price index for water in that water quality category.

[0130] Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, the present invention may be generally characterized as a method (100) of investing in fresh water based on fresh water quality. The method (100) may include (a) receiving (110), for example, with a processing device (e.g., a computer), an updatable current price of at least one root commodity other than water (wherein all root commodities are other than water), each root commodity of the at least one root commodity having at least one of (i) water as a component of said respective root commodity, and (ii) water used in the production of said respective root commodity. The method (100) may further include the additional step of selecting at least one root commodity from a plurality of commodities (some of which are root commodities and some of which are not root commodities), including, for example, identifying commodities having water as a component and / or commodities that utilize water in their production and / or commodities having water as an output. The processing device may perform this additional step according to instructions or criteria. Alternatively, the processing device may perform this step by using or processing data stored in a memory storage device coupled to the processing device.

[0131] Another step (120) of the method (100) may be to associate or match each of at least one water quality category in the plurality of water quality categories to at least one root commodity of the plurality of root commodities. The matching or associating step may be such that the quality of water (i) used in the manufacture of the root commodity and / or (ii) that is a component of the root commodity meets (or in another preferred embodiment is associated with) the water quality standard of each water quality category. The water quality categories may be from among the following water quality categories: natural quality, drinking water, domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water. The water quality standards may be those promulgated by at least one of the EEC, WHO, or the United States.

[0132] An example of a matching / associating step is to select corn as the root commodity and match or associate the water that is a component of the corn and / or the water used in the production of the corn with water quality categories B1, B2, or B3 (water that is suitable for agricultural use and meets specific standards in Tables 3 and 4). For example, it may be assumed that the water in the corn and / or the water used in the production of the corn meets (or is associated with, in other preferred embodiments) water quality standards B1 or B2 or B3. Step (120) may be performed by a processing device in some preferred embodiments.

[0133] Alternative versions of step (120) (or equivalent steps / elements of other methods / systems) may be possible, i.e., associating or matching each of at least one water quality category in at least one water quality category with at least one root commodity such that the quality of water (i) used in the manufacture of the root commodity and / or (ii) that is a component in the root commodity is related in some other way to the water quality criteria of each water quality category. Instead of meeting the criteria, in one example, the water meets a portion of the criteria, or meets a minimum acceptable example of the criteria, or is within 50% (or another percentage) of the criteria. In any of the methods or systems of the invention, instead of water quality categories, an association may be made between a water quality class (i.e., "A1") within a broad water quality category and at least one root commodity.

[0134] A further step (130) of method (100) includes determining, for each water quality category of the at least one water quality category, with the processing device, an updatable current index value of fresh water satisfying the respective water quality category, the index value being determined based on a current price of the respective root commodity matched to the respective water quality category and based on at least one of: (i) the amount of fresh water as a component in the respective root commodity matched to the respective water quality category; and (ii) the amount of fresh water used in the production of the respective root commodity matched to the respective water quality category.

[0135] The method (100) may further include physically measuring the fresh water of at least one water source for water chemical or physical criteria, e.g., measuring at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrate, toxins, and sodium adsorption, thereby determining a water quality category and / or water quality class of the fresh water from the water source. The results of the measurements may be compared to predetermine water quality criteria in the form of ranges for each item (e.g., TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrate, toxins, and sodium adsorption) associated with each water quality category and / or water quality class, as described in Tables 1-5 above and in the proposed definitions of water quality classes A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3 discussed above. The water quality measurements may be performed using one or more water quality measuring devices (380), (680), (780) (see Figures 6A, 6B, 7, 8). Updating the water quality of the water source may be done by re-measuring the water source with a water measuring device at reasonable intervals. Typically, the water source may be re-measured and updated annually, or more frequently or less frequently as the case may be, in terms of water quality category and water quality class.

[0136] Method 100 (or method 200 or method 800) may include a further step relating to a display. In some preferred embodiments as shown in FIG. 5B, the further step may include displaying, on a display 330 connected to a computer, updatable current prices of one or more root commodities and updatable current prices of fresh water of a particular (i) water quality category, (ii) water quality class, or (iii) water quality category or class, where the current price of fresh water of a particular water quality depends on the current price of the one or more root commodities. The arrows in FIG. 5B indicate that the displayed prices and indicia are moving in a "ticker tape" fashion.

[0137] A numerically significant change in the current price of one or more root commodities (which may be viewed as independent variables) may result in a measurable change in the current price of fresh water of a particular quality (which may be viewed as the dependent variable). A "numerically significant" change in the price of an independent variable may be defined as a change sufficient to result in at least an order of magnitude change in the stated price of the dependent variable.

[0138] In another preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 5A, a further step relating to the display may include displaying, on a first portion of a display connected to a computer (the computer used in step (120)), at least one of the current index values ​​of fresh water (which may be updatable) and some name or indicia (i.e., “Water B3”) identifying fresh water as a commodity and / or the category and / or grade of fresh water whose updatable current index value is displayed on the first portion. In any method or system of the present invention, the indicia may identify the category of fresh water by displaying the category of water without even including the term “water” or “H2O” as part of the indicia, such as by using other symbols known to a person viewing the display as identifying water or water of a particular quality category and / or grade. The display may further display, on a second portion of the display, the current price of at least one root commodity for which at least one of the updatable current index values ​​has been calculated, and some name or indicia identifying the root commodity (preferably each such root commodity) whose current price is displayed on the second portion. Thus, an independent variable, the current price of at least one root commodity, may be displayed in one portion of the display, and a dependent variable, the current price of at least one water quality category and / or class, may be displayed in a different portion of the display, thereby making the price of fresh water (and its quality) and its dependence on the price of the root commodity more salient.

[0139] It should be understood that the displays of Figures 5A and 5B are merely examples of how prices / indexes may be displayed. Additionally, in Figure 5A, the first and second portions (331 and 332) of the display (330) are shown as one-on-one and moving "tapes." This is, of course, not limiting, and the first and second portions could also be in a static tabular format or other visual format.

[0140] 9 shows a display device (330) connected to the computer (310) and the processing device. The display device (330) displays the stable price of fresh water by displaying (a) the current renewable price of the first root commodity (corn), in this example, at a price (338) of 139.2, and (b) a first current renewable price (333) of fresh water (100.2 in this example) of a particular water quality category or class (Water B2 334) side-by-side on the display device, where the current renewable price of fresh water may be calculated based on the current renewable price of the first root commodity, where the first root commodity is a commodity other than water in any physical form. FIG. 9 illustrates a side-by-side display of (a) a current renewable price for a second root commodity (wheat) (338) at 748.8 and (b) a second current renewable price (333) for fresh water (153.7 in this example) of a particular different quality category or class (Water B1 334), where the second current renewable price for fresh water is calculated based on the current renewable price for the second root commodity, which is a commodity other than water in any physical form. Note that corn and wheat are examples of "root commodities." Corn and wheat are also examples of products that contain water or in which water is used in their manufacture, and thus the use of one preferred embodiment of the present invention may be utilized in calculating or determining the current renewable price for water of a particular quality class or category.

[0141] Thus, the price of water may be based on the updatable current price of corn and / or wheat (at least one root commodity) or other root commodity, and may also be based on a relationship between the actual physical quantity of water and at least one of (i) the actual physical quantity of the at least one root commodity and (ii) the production of the actual physical quantity of the at least one root commodity, where it may be generally stated that each of the at least one root commodity is a commodity other than water. For example, as described herein, the current updatable price of water for a particular class and / or category may be determined using a processing device by using one or more mathematical operations to mathematically combine (i) the actual physical quantity of the at least one root commodity (e.g., wheat) in physical relationship with the actual physical quantity of water (i.e., the amount of water component in an actual quantity of wheat), and (ii) the updatable current price of the at least one root commodity (e.g., wheat) in physical relationship with the actual physical quantity of water (i.e., the amount of water component in an actual quantity of wheat), and (ii) the actual physical quantity of water, e.g., the amount of water used to produce a particular quantity of actual wheat.

[0142] 9 shows a display that displays a composite current renewable price (333C) of fresh water (112.3) on a second portion of the display device (300), which may be calculated based on the current renewable prices of the first and second root commodities (corn and wheat) and based on the respective market shares or market weights of the first and second root commodities (the respective market shares of corn and wheat). The display (330) may be connected to or in communication with a processing device (352), which may also be a computer processing device, and may receive current renewable prices (e.g., of water, of the root commodities) or other instructions from the processing device (352).

[0143] In any of the methods of the present invention (100, 200, 800, 300), when a "processing device" is described as acting during one step of the method, the term "processing device" is described as acting during a further step of the method, which means that in certain preferred embodiments, the processing device acting during the further step is the same processing device as the processing device acting during the previously described step and in certain other preferred embodiments, and the processing device acting during the further step is a different processing device than the processing device acting during the previously described step. The method therefore refers to the "processing device" of the further method step as the same or different processing device as the previously described step.

[0144] In any of the methods or systems of the present invention, the updateable current index value or at least one of the displayed updateable current index values ​​may be updated over time as the factors used in determining the price are themselves updated. For example, the displayed current price of one or more root commodities may fluctuate and be updated. In addition, if there are multiple root commodities, the market share of each of the various root commodities may change. In addition, the amount of water that is a component in the root commodity may change, and the amount of water used in the manufacture of the root commodity may change, although these latter two factors do not change as frequently as market share or price. With respect to any of the methods or systems of the present invention, the display, and in particular the prices and index values ​​on the display, may be publicly accessible by appearing on a website or a ticker tape during the build, or in other manners known in the art for displaying commodity prices.

[0145] In some preferred embodiments, a further step of method (100) may be determining a price for fresh water originating from a particular source (or a particular quantity of water being sold) by combining all of the updatable current index values ​​for fresh water of each water quality category by measuring a current level of suitability of fresh water for each of a plurality of water quality categories and by weighting the respective index values ​​combined by (i) the determined current level of suitability of fresh water (i.e., water from a particular source or a particular quantity of water being sold) for a price for each of a plurality of water quality categories and (ii) the market share of water from each water quality category.

[0146] An example of the use of the fitness levels is provided above using the fitness factor (f).

[0147] As shown in Figure 2, another method (200) of the present invention is similar to method (100) except that a matching or associating step (220) may be performed such that the constituent water qualities in each root commodity meet (or are related in other preferred embodiments) the water quality standards for each water quality category. It should be understood that in any method (or system) of the present invention, there is no limit to the number of root commodities used to derive the current price of fresh water of a particular quality category and / or class.

[0148] The method (200) may include the further step of selecting at least one root commodity from a plurality of commodities (some of which are root commodities and some of which are not root commodities), including, for example, commodities that contain water as a component, and / or commodities that use water in their production, and / or commodities that have water as an output, etc. The processing device may perform this additional step according to instructions or criteria. Alternatively, the processing device may perform this step by using or processing data stored in a memory storage device coupled to the processing device.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 3, the present invention may be described as a method (800) of using a financial instrument to invest in fresh water based on water quality. Method (800) may include receiving (810), with a processing device, such as a computer processing device, a price for each of the financial instruments that specify on its face a specific amount of fresh water of a specific water quality category, where the price for each of the financial instruments is determined using an updatable current index value of fresh water of the specific water quality category. Step (820) may include storing the water quality criteria for a plurality of water quality categories in a data storage device, such as a computer memory storage device, or in a computer. Method (800) may have additional steps similar to methods (100) or (200) or (400) (or, in other embodiments, steps performed by the computer of systems (300) or (600)). For example, the method (800) may include receiving (830), using a processing device, such as a computer processing device, an updatable current price of at least one root commodity, where the root commodity is other than water, and each root commodity of the at least one root commodity has at least one of: (i) water as a component in the respective root commodity; and (ii) water used in the manufacture of the respective root commodity. The method (800) may include the further step of selecting at least one root commodity from a plurality of commodities (some of which are root commodities and some of which are not root commodities), including, for example, commodities that include water as a component, and / or commodities that use water in their manufacture, and / or commodities that have water as an output, etc. The processing device may perform this additional step according to instructions or criteria. Alternatively, the processing device may perform this step by using or processing data stored in a memory storage device coupled to the processing device.

[0150] Step (840) may involve associating a respective water quality category of at least one water quality category with a root commodity of at least one root commodity. The associating or matching may be such that the quality of water (i) that is a component in each root commodity or (ii) that is used in the manufacture of each root commodity meets (or is associated in other embodiments with) the water quality criteria of each water quality category. Step (850) may involve determining, with a computer processing device, for each water quality category of at least one water quality category, an updatable current index value of fresh water that meets the respective water quality category, the index value being determined based on a current price of the respective root commodity associated with the respective water quality category and based on at least one of (i) the quantity of fresh water that is a component in the respective root commodity associated with the respective water quality category and (ii) the quantity of fresh water that is used in the manufacture of the respective root commodity associated with the respective water quality category.

[0151] The method (800), in some preferred embodiments, may include displaying at least one of the updatable current index values ​​of fresh water on a first portion of a display (such as the display (330) shown in FIG. 5A) coupled to the computer processing device, the display further displaying a price of at least one root commodity for which the at least one updatable current index value is calculated on a second portion of the display (or, in some embodiments, also on the first portion of the display), the at least one updatable current index value and the price of the at least one root commodity being updated over time. In some preferred embodiments, a user viewing the display (330) may perceive a change in the price index of the at least one root commodity and a subsequent change in the price index of at least one water quality category or tier within such water quality category, such that the change in the price index of the at least one water quality category appears to be related to the change in the price index of the at least one root commodity.

[0152] In any of the methods (100), (200), or (800) or systems (300), (600), the water quality categories may have criteria that specify ranges for at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, or at least any other number of the following: TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrates, toxins, and sodium adsorption.

[0153] As can be seen in the high level block diagram of FIG. 6A, the system (300) of the present invention may include a computer processing unit (352) and may include a number of computer memory devices, such as RAM (354), boot ROM (356), mass storage device (358) such as a hard disk (358). The memory devices may communicate with the processing unit (352) via a bus (66) and with each other via a common bus (366). The computer readable program code (31) may be stored in a memory device, such as mass storage device (58), and may be accessed by execution by the processing unit (352). The mass storage device (358) is an example of a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer readable code for performing the described data storage methodologies.

[0154] As seen in the high level block diagram of FIG. 6B, the system (300B) of the present invention may include a computer (310) having a computer processing unit (352) and multiple computer memory devices, such as RAM (354), boot ROM (356), a mass storage hard disk (358) and a flash memory device (364) as known in the art. The memory devices may communicate to the processing unit (352) by a bus (366) and may communicate with each other by a common bus (366). Software drivers (360) for memory devices, such as the flash memory device (64), may be stored in the mass storage device (358) and executed by the processing unit (352) to access memory devices, such as the flash memory device (364). The drivers (360) may include modules (362) for encoding data to be stored in a memory device, such as the flash memory device (364), and for decoding code words received from a memory device, such as the flash memory device (364). Components of system (300B) other than flash memory device (364) may include a host (370) for flash memory device (364), which may be computer (310). Mass storage device (358) is an example of a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer readable code 1 for performing the described data storage methodologies.

[0155] The computer readable program code (361) of Figure 6A (or Figure 6B) may be embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium and executed by the processing device (352). The program code (61) may include program code for performing any of several processing functions described.

[0156] FIG. 6A illustrates a schematic of a system (300). FIG. 6B illustrates a schematic of a similar system (300B) including a flash memory device. Each system (300A), (300B) may be for buying and selling fresh water based on water quality and may include a computer (310) which may include a processor (352), may be connected to any or all of the multiple computer memory storage devices described above (i.e., in the case of system (300B) shown in FIG. 6B, 354, 356 (or flash memory drive (364)), and may include software (361) for operation of the computer (310). The computer (310) and / or program code (361) may include program code for receiving a current price for at least one or more root commodities, the root commodities being other than water, and each root commodity in the multiple root commodities having at least one of (i) water as a component in the root commodity, and (ii) water used in the manufacture of the root commodity.

[0157] The computer (310) and / or the program code (361) may include program code for storing water quality criteria for at least one or more water quality categories.

[0158] A processing device (352) connected to the system (300) may be programmable or have program code (361) in communication with the computer (310) for performing a step of receiving an updatable current price of at least one root commodity and for performing an additional step of selecting at least one root commodity from a plurality of root commodities (some of which may be root commodities and some of which may not be root commodities), including, for example, root commodities that have water as a component and / or that utilize water in their production and / or that have water as an output. The processing device may perform this additional step according to instructions or criteria. Alternatively, the processing device may perform this step by using or processing data stored in a memory storage device connected to the processing device.

[0159] The computer (310) or a processing device (352) connected to the computer (310) may be configured to process the associations of at least one root commodity with each of the at least one water quality category, and / or the program code (361) may include program code for processing the associations of at least one root commodity with each of the at least one water quality category. Processing the associations may include determining the associations from the provided data and / or resolving the associations for further use. The computer (310) and / or the program code (361) may include (coupled or connected to) a memory storage device (i.e., 354, 356, 358) (and, in the case of system (300B), a flash memory storage device (364)) for storing these associations of at least one root commodity with each of the at least one water quality category. The association may be such that the quality of either (i) water used in the production of the root commodity or (ii) water as a component of the root commodity (or both) meets (or is related to) the water quality standard for each water quality category. If the determination of the association is not made by the computer, the computer may simply store the association and apply it.

[0160] The computer (310) and / or the program code (361) may include program code for determining an updatable current index value for each freshwater of the water quality categories based on a current price of the respective root commodity and based on at least one of (i) an amount of freshwater that is a component in the root commodity associated with the respective water quality category, and (ii) an amount of freshwater used in the production of the root commodity.

[0161] The system (300) may comprise a water quality measuring device (380) for measuring the fresh water of the at least one water source (having fresh water) for at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrate, toxins, and sodium adsorption, thereby classifying the fresh water of the at least one water source by a water quality category and / or by a water quality class within the water quality category of the fresh water of the at least one water source. The water quality measuring device (380) may include a device for measuring at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrate, toxins, and sodium adsorption. In a preferred embodiment, water quality measuring device (380) (as well as (680) of system (600)) may include two or more water measuring devices and / or may be configured to measure at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least a majority, and preferably all of the above physical or chemical criteria (TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium chloride, nitrates, toxins, and SAR).

[0162] The computer (310) may be configured to receive data from the water quality measuring devices, or from a computer or other device that stores such data, and to compare the received data to the stored water quality standards to determine a water quality category and / or water quality class for the fresh water.

[0163] System (300) (as well as any of the other systems of the present invention, such as systems (300B, 600, 700)) may include securities (106) (see, e.g., Shirazi '239 patent in FIG. 1) or financial instruments such as bonds, shares, stocks, futures, etc. (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 at 340 of Shirazi '239 patent) that describe on their face value the quality of fresh water (and / or an index value or price for fresh water in a particular quality category). The memory device of system (300) may be for storing one or more updatable current index values ​​for each water quality category of fresh water.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 5A , the system (300) may include a display (330) connected to the computer (310), the display displaying in a first portion (331) thereof an independent variable, such as at least one updateable current index value (333) of fresh water and a name or indicia (334) identifying the commodity as water and / or category of fresh water for which the updateable current index value is displayed in the first portion (i.e., “Water B3”), and the display displaying in a second portion (332) thereof (in some embodiments, the first portion thereof) a dependent variable, such as a current price (338) of at least one root commodity for which at least one updateable current index value is calculated and a name or indicia (339) identifying the root commodity (preferably each such root commodity) for which the updateable price is displayed in the second portion (i.e., “Corn”). In some preferred embodiments, a user viewing the display (330) may view a change in the price index of at least one root commodity (which may be an independent variable) followed by a change in the price index of at least one water quality category and / or water quality class (within a water quality category) of fresh water (which may be a dependent variable), where the change in the price index of the at least one water quality category may appear to be related to the change in the price index of the at least one root commodity. As previously discussed, a numerically significant change in the independent variable may be one that results in a visible change of at least one order of magnitude in the dependent variable. While FIG. 5A displays the independent and dependent variables in different portions, in other preferred embodiments, the independent and dependent variables are displayed in the same portion of the display.

[0165] In some preferred embodiments of the display for system (300) (or for systems (300B) or (600)), system (300, 300B, or 600) includes a display (330B) connected to a computer (as shown in FIG. 5B) for displaying updatable current prices of one or more root commodities and updatable current prices of fresh water of a particular (i) water quality category, (ii) water quality class, or (iii) water quality category and water quality class, where the current price of fresh water of a particular water quality category is dependent on the current prices of one or more root commodities. As shown in FIG. 5B, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the displayed prices of at least one root commodity (338B) and the current price of fresh water (333B) are in the same portion (332B) of display (330B).

[0166] In another feature of the display (330) (or 330B) connected to the computer of system (300) or (600), the display is for displaying updatable current index values ​​for fresh water and indicia identifying a category of fresh water or water for each one of the current index values ​​displayed in the first portion, the display further displaying a current price of at least one root commodity for which at least one of the updatable current index values ​​is calculated and indicia identifying each of the at least one root commodity whose current price is displayed on the display.

[0167] The at least one water quality category may include one, two, or three from the following categories: (i) a first water quality category of water that meets minimum standards for drinking or domestic use, (ii) a second water quality category of water that does not meet drinking water standards but meets minimum standards for agricultural quality water, and (iii) a third water quality category of water that does not meet agricultural quality water or drinking water standards but meets minimum standards for industrial quality water. If the first water quality category is classified into two water quality categories, i.e., drinking and domestic, the water quality category of the system (300) (and method (100) or method (200) or system (600)) may include at least one, at least two, three, or four of the four water quality categories (or at least a plurality, or a number, or some other specified number of categories, in addition to any subcategory called a water quality class). Furthermore, water from an iceberg may be considered as a subcategory of drinking water for any method or system of the present invention.

[0168] The water quality standards used in the water quality categories and / or classes of any of the methods or systems of the invention may specify ranges for at least one of the following water quality categories: TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrates, toxins, and sodium adsorption (or ranges for at least two, at least three, four, or five, or other multiple or most or all of the following physical and / or chemical criteria or measures). Examples of specific ranges are provided in Tables 1-5 herein. The water quality categories of any of the methods or systems of the invention may be from among the following water quality categories: natural quality, drinking water, domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water, and the water quality standards may be those promulgated by at least one of the EEC, WHO, or United States.

[0169] The computer (310) of the system (300), in some preferred embodiments, may determine, using its processing device, the price of fresh water from a particular source (or a particular quantity of water to be sold) by determining a current value of suitability of fresh water for at least one water quality category and / or class, or for each of at least two water quality categories (and / or classes), and then mathematically combining all of the updatable current index values ​​of fresh water for each water quality category (and / or class), e.g., by weighting each index value combined by (i) the determined current value of suitability of fresh water (i.e., water from a particular source or a particular quantity of water to be sold) to be priced for each of at least one (or at least two, at least three, etc.) of the water quality categories, and (ii) the market share of water from each water quality category (and / or water quality class) for the at least one water quality category. The determination of the current value of suitability may be updated periodically, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, hourly, minutely, or at any other reasonable time interval. This determination of the current value of suitability may be applied to the system (600).

[0170] A further embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7 is a system (600) for exchanging fresh water based on water quality. The system (600) may include at least one computer (610) of at least one commodity exchange (608) that outputs prices of various commodities, particularly various commodities that are not water. At least one of these commodities may be a root commodity that contains water as a component and / or uses fresh water in its production. To take one simple example of a root commodity, corn may be a root commodity because it contains water and uses water in its clearing.

[0171] Instead of a commodity exchange, other sources of updatable, current information regarding commodity prices connected to a computer may be used, an example of which is a website connected to a server computer that shows commodity prices.

[0172] System (600) may also include a system computer (620) having the hardware and software elements shown in Figures 6A-6B for systems (300) and (300B). For example, system computer (620) may include a processing unit (622), one or more memory storage devices (624) coupled to processing unit (622), and code for operating system computer (620). System computer (620) may be coupled (e.g., by a communications link) to at least one computer (610) of at least one commodity exchange and configured to receive updateable price data for commodities from the computer (610). System computer (620) may be configured to identify and extract a root commodity from the updateable price data, the current price of the identified root commodity. Additionally, system computer (620) and / or processing unit (622) may be configured or programmed to: (a) Preserve water quality standards for at least one or at least two (or at least three, etc.) of the water quality categories and / or classes; (b) processing (i.e., determining and / or storing) an association of at least one identified root commodity with each of at least one of the water quality categories in the at least one (or at least two, etc.) water quality categories such that the quality of water used in the production of the identified root commodity (and / or that is a component of the identified root commodity) meets (or, in some preferred embodiments, is related to) the water quality standards of each water quality category; (c) calculating, for each of at least one water quality category, an updatable current index value of fresh water satisfying said respective water quality category, the current index value being determined based on a current price of said respective identified route commodity associated with said respective water quality category, and based on at least one of (i) the amount of fresh water that is a component in said respective identified route commodity associated with said respective water quality category, and (ii) the amount of fresh water used in the production of said respective identified route commodity associated with said respective water quality category. The processing device (622) may be programmed to calculate the current index value by reference to a market share of sales of each water in each water quality (and / or class) and / or by reference to market shares of various route commodities.

[0173] The system computer (620) may be configured to transmit the calculated, updatable, current index values ​​for each water quality category to the at least one computer (610). As shown by the arrows in Figure 7, this may complete a data cycle, which may include a first leg running from the at least one computer (610) to the system computer (620) and a return leg or second leg running from the system computer (620) to the at least one computer (610). The data cycle may include extracting commodity price data from the computer (610) and returning the price of water (e.g., a price based on water quality) from the system computer (620) to the at least one computer (610).

[0174] The system (600) may also include a water quality measuring device (680) for measuring the at least one fresh water source with respect to at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrates, toxins, and sodium adsorption to classify the at least one fresh water source from a water quality category and / or a water quality class within the at least one fresh water source water quality category. The system computer (620) may be configured to receive data from the water quality measuring device (680) or from a computer or other device that stores such data, and to compare the received data to stored water quality standards to determine a water quality category and / or water quality class for the fresh water.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 7, the system (600) may include a display (630) (e.g., of the type shown in FIG. 5A) connected to at least one computer (610). The "association" may allow for providing and displaying current prices updated in real time. Prices or indices of the independent and dependent variables may be updated monthly, weekly, daily, hourly, minute, second, or other reasonable intervals. The display (330) may have a first portion (331) and a second display portion (332). The display (330) may display at least one current index value of fresh water of a water quality category and / or class in the first portion of the display (331), which may be updated over time, and may display the price of the identified root commodity of the at least one current index value of fresh water calculated in the second portion of the display (332), which may be updated over time. One example shown in Figure 5A includes adjacent movable regions of a "ticker tape" or scrolling electronic ticker-like display, one showing the price and name of a root commodity and one showing the price and name of a water commodity, i.e., fresh water of a particular grade or water quality category. A viewer may be able to observe both portions of the display (330) and observe that as the price of the underlying root commodity changes, so does the price of a related or associated water index, i.e., an updatable current water index, whose price is derived from such root commodity as calculated by the coefficients, relationships, algorithms, calculations, functions, and / or methods described in this patent application.

[0176] Alternatively, as indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 7, the display (330) may be connected to the system computer (620) rather than to at least one computer (610), or to both (610 and 620).

[0177] As shown by FIG. 8, the present invention may be described as a system (700) for buying and selling fresh water based on its quality. The system (700) may include a water quality measuring device (780) for measuring fresh water of at least one water source for at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrate, toxins, and sodium adsorption. The system (700) may include a computer having the components described for the systems (300) (300B) (processing device, memory, etc.). As illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 8, the results or data ascertained by the device (780) may be transmitted to the computer (710) for storage and processing. Specifically, the computer (710) may be configured to receive data from the water quality measuring device for the fresh water for at least one of TDS, carbonate content, pH, hardness, sodium, chloride, nitrate, toxins, and sodium adsorption, and to compare the received data to stored water quality standards to determine a water quality category for the fresh water.

[0178] The computer (710) may be for determining a current price of at least one root commodity other than water (which may comprise programming instructions of code), each of the at least one root commodity having at least one of (i) water as a component of the root commodity, and (ii) water used in the production of the root commodity, for processing each association of the at least one root commodity with at least one water quality category, and for determining an updatable current indicator value of each of the at least one water quality category fresh water based on the current price of each of the root commodity and based on at least one of (i) the amount of fresh water that is a component of the root commodity associated with each of the water quality categories, and (ii) the amount of fresh water used in the production of the root commodity.

[0179] In some embodiments of the system (700), the computer (710) may be configured to determine the water quality class and process the association of at least one root commodity with each of the at least one water quality class, and to determine a current index value of fresh water for each water quality class based on a current price of each root commodity and based on at least one of (i) the amount of fresh water that is a component in the root commodity associated with each water quality class, and (ii) the amount of fresh water used in the production of the root commodity. The system (700) may include a display (730) connected to the computer (710), such as a display (730) similar to the display shown in FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B, and may have the features described with respect to the display of the method and / or system of the present invention described above. For example, the display (730) may display both an independent variable (i.e., an updatable current price of at least one root commodity) and a dependent variable (an updatable current price of fresh water for a particular water quality category and / or water quality class). Fresh water, whose price may comprise the dependent variable, may be at least a component of a root commodity, whose price may comprise the independent variable, and / or may be used in the production of such a root commodity.

[0180] In any of the systems or methods of the present invention, a processing device such as a computer may use one or more mathematical operations to mathematically combine factors such as the amount of fresh water that is a component of the root commodity, the amount of fresh water used in the manufacture of the root commodity, the price of the root commodity, the market share (market weight) of fresh water of a particular water quality category and / or grade within the total market for fresh water, a suitability factor, a base price of water, an adjustment factor, the market share of one or more particular root commodities from the total market for all relevant root commodities, the amount of fresh water in a particular collateral, the amount of fresh water stated on the face of the financial instrument, or other factors. Any of these factors may be updated regularly at reasonable intervals as necessary, and, if possible, in real time. The price of the root commodity may be updated in real time, for example, from a commodity exchange (see 608 in FIG. 7). Data for determining the market share and price of the product may be derived from publicly available statistics, for example, information available on the Internet (for example, statistics may be obtained from websites connected to commodity exchanges, futures markets, and stock exchanges (e.g., New York, Chicago, London, Tokyo)) and thus may be easily updated in real time. Alternatively, the statistics may be updated periodically from published statistics or statistics released by government agencies.

[0181] Any of the commodities referred to herein may be publicly traded commodities.

[0182] As can be seen from FIG. 4, the present invention may be described as a method (400) of investing in fresh water based on fresh water quality. The method (400) may include, for example, using a processing device, such as a computer processing device, receiving (410) updateable current prices of one or more (or two or more, or three or more, etc.) root commodities, where the root commodities are other than water, and each of the at least one (or at least two, etc.) root commodities has at least one of (i) water as a component of said respective root commodity, and (ii) water used in the production of said respective root commodity. The method (400) may include, for example, an additional step of selecting at least one root commodity from a plurality of commodities (some of which may be root commodities and some of which may not be root commodities) including identifying commodities having water as a component, and / or commodities that utilize water in their production, and / or commodities having water as an output. The processing device may perform this additional step according to instructions or criteria. Alternatively, the processing device may perform this step by using or processing data stored in a memory storage device connected to the processing device.

[0183] Step (420) may include matching each of the at least one water quality category and / or water quality class of the at least one water quality category and / or class with at least one root commodity of the at least one (or at least two, etc.) root commodity. Step (430) may include, for each water quality category (and / or class) of the at least one water quality category, determining, with a computer processing device, an updatable current index value of fresh water satisfying the respective water quality category, the index value being determined based on a current price of the respective root commodity matched with the respective water quality category and based on at least one of (i) an amount of fresh water as a component in the respective root commodity matched with the respective water quality category, and (ii) an amount of fresh water used in the manufacture of the respective root commodity matched with the respective water quality category. The computer processing device included in method (400) (similar to the processing devices of methods (100), (200), and (800)) may be processing device (352) shown in Figures 6A and 6B for systems (300A) and (300B).

[0184] A further step of method (400) may include using a processor to determine an adjusted current index value by adjusting the price of the natural water based on the suitability of the natural water for two or three of the following uses: (i) drinking, (ii) agricultural, and (iii) industrial, as shown in Tables 7a and 9a below. If the water is not natural, a further step may include adjusting, with the processor, the price of the non-natural water based on the suitability of the non-natural water for at least one (or in other preferred embodiments at least two) of the following uses: (i) drinking, (ii) agricultural, and (iii) industrial, as shown in Tables 8b and 10b below, to determine an adjusted current index value.

[0185] As with other methods, there may be further steps in method (400) of displaying, in a first portion of a display (such as display (330) shown in FIG. 5A) connected to a computer (such as computer (310) shown in FIGS. 5, 6A, 6B), at least one adjusted current index value of fresh water and indicia identifying the component water and / or category of fresh water for which the adjusted current index value is displayed in the first portion (i.e., "Water B1"), and the display displays, in a second portion thereof, the current price of at least one root commodity (i.e., "corn") for which at least one of the current index values ​​is calculated and indicia identifying the root commodity (preferably each root commodity) for which the current price is displayed in the second portion. Furthermore, the steps of method (400) may be added to step (210) (or steps (210) and (220)) of method (200) involving financial instruments. In some other preferred embodiments of method (400), the display may show, in the same portion of the display, a current, updatable price of fresh water (dependent variable) based on the quality and current, updatable price of at least one root commodity (independent variables).

[0186] The method (400) may further include the additional step of determining, using a processing device, such as a computer processing device, a price for each of a plurality of financial instruments that specify on their face a particular quantity of fresh water of a particular water quality category, each of the financial instruments being priced using a current index value for fresh water of a water quality category.

[0187] Similarly, systems (300) and (600) may be modified such that the steps performed by computer (310) and / or code (361) in system (300) may correspond to the steps of any of the methods described herein.

[0188] Additionally, in any of the methods of the system described herein, the price of water may be adjusted for the geographic location of the water source. The geographic adjustment factor is stored in computer (310).

[0189] Moreover, it should be emphasized that any of the above methods or systems may be modified to incorporate any of the elements or method steps described in the Shirazi '239 patent incorporated herein. Purely by way of example, the system may include collateral configured to serve as collateral for the financial instruments described herein. The collateral may be a large volume of fresh water owned by a local government, the collateral may be fresh water from a lake, for example. Alternatively, the collateral may be a large volume of fresh water that has been removed from a water source and stored somewhere. Alternatively, the collateral may be water or ice from an iceberg or from a portion of an iceberg. Additionally, the broker may be involved in using any of the standardized price indexes described herein. In some embodiments, the current price of fresh water of a particular water quality category and / or class may be stored on the broker's desktop or in memory of another computer and calculated by a processing unit of the computer.

[0190] The present invention may be described as a system for buying and selling fresh water based on water quality, the system comprising: receiving an updatable current price for at least one root commodity other than water, each root commodity having at least one of (i) water as a component, and (ii) water used in the manufacture of said respective root commodity; storing water quality standards promulgated by at least one of the EEC, WHO, or United States for at least two water quality categories from among the following water quality categories: natural quality, drinking water, domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water; and the computer for processing an association of each of at least one water quality category with a financial product that specifies on its face a particular quantity of fresh water that meets Lee's water quality standards, where the price of the financial product is based on the particular quantity of fresh water and a current index value of the fresh water of the particular water quality category, and determining, based on the current price of each said root commodity, and based on at least one of (i) the quantity of fresh water that is a component in the root commodity associated with each said water quality category, and (ii) the quantity of fresh water used in the production of the root commodity.

[0191] The system may further comprise a display connected to the computer for displaying the current, updatable prices of the one or more root commodities and the current, updatable prices of fresh water of a particular (i) water quality category and / or (ii) water quality class, such that the current, updatable price of fresh water of a particular water quality is dependent on the current prices of the one or more root commodities.

[0192] The present invention may be described as a system for buying and selling fresh water based on water quality, the system comprising: receiving updatable current prices of at least one root commodity other than water, each root commodity having at least one of (i) water as a component, and (ii) water used in the manufacture of said respective root commodity; storing water quality standards promulgated by at least one of the EEC, WHO, or United States for at least two water quality categories from among the following water quality categories: natural quality, drinking water, domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water; and The system includes a computer for determining an updatable current index value for each freshwater of a water quality category based on a current price of the root commodity and based on at least one of (i) the amount of freshwater that is a component in the root commodity associated with each of the water quality categories and (ii) the amount of freshwater used in the production of the root commodity; and a financial instrument, each of which specifies on its face a specific amount of freshwater that meets the water quality standard for each of the following water quality categories: natural quality, drinking water, domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water, and the price of the financial instrument is based on the specific amount of freshwater and the current index value of the freshwater of the specific water quality category. The system may be such that each of the financial instruments specifies on its face a specific amount of freshwater that meets the water quality standard for each of the following water quality categories: domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water. Each of the financial instruments may specify on its face a specific amount of freshwater that meets the water quality standard for each of the following water quality categories: domestic water, agricultural water, and industrial water.

[0193] The invention may be described as a system for use by, for example, a commodity exchange, in buying and selling water based on water quality, the system comprising: a processor configured to receive financial instruments, each of which specifies on its face a particular quantity of fresh water, the price of each financial instrument being determined using a current, updatable price for the fresh water and the particular quantity of fresh water; and a processor configured to receive the financial instruments, the current, updatable price for the water, the current, updatable price for the water being determined using (A) the current, updatable price for at least one root commodity; and (B) an actual physical quantity of the water, and a physical relationship between (i) the actual physical quantity of the at least one root commodity and (ii) the production of the actual physical quantity of the at least one root commodity. a processing unit, wherein the updatable current price of the at least one root commodity is determined by using one or more mathematical operations to mathematically combine the updatable current price of the at least one root commodity with at least one of (i) the actual physical quantity of the at least one root commodity in physical relationship with the actual physical quantity of water, and (ii) the produced physical quantity of the actual at least one root commodity in physical relationship with the actual physical quantity of water; and (c) a display for displaying the updatable current price of the fresh water to effect buying and selling of the fresh water using a financial instrument, wherein each root commodity of the at least one root commodity is a commodity other than water.

[0194] In any of the methods or systems of the present invention, reference to water quality standards promulgated by at least one of the EEC, WHO, or United States is merely one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and various other preferred embodiments may include water quality standards specifically promulgated by the EEC, preferred embodiments in which water quality standards are specifically promulgated by WHO, water quality standards specifically promulgated by the United States (meaning a part of the United States government), or preferred embodiments in which standards are promulgated by another prominent organization that promulgates water quality standards.

[0195] The following is an incorporation of the text of paragraph 24 of the Shirazi '239 patent, which may be used in the methods, apparatus, and systems of the present invention: References to figure numbers are to the figures of the Shirazi '239 patent and the reference numbers therein are to elements / items shown in the drawings of the Shirazi '239 patent.

[0196] "The broker (120) issues securities (106) (alternatively, another financial instrument could be used, e.g., bonds, stocks, equities, futures) of collateral (101) and sells the securities (106) according to the index value (104). In the example of FIG. 1 (Shirazi's '239 patent), the index value (104) is $1.07 / m. 3 Therefore, the broker (120) is 3 The local government (102) sells securities (106) for $1,070 + 2% commission. The investor (108) (the person who purchased the securities (106)) receives a 1,000m 3 The investor (108) may write off the securities (106) by demanding that the index value (104) be delivered (the investor (108) paying for shipping and handling costs), or the investor (108) may hold onto the securities (106) in anticipation of an increase in the index value (104) and then the investor (108) may sell the securities (106) to another investor (perhaps through the intermediary (10)) and recover the profit (minus any brokerage commission).

[0197] Figure 2 (of the Shirazi '239 patent) is a generalized flowchart of a method for selling an item. The intermediary seeks a resource that is capitalized. For example, there may be a large amount of water available worldwide, and a need for water, but not enough capital to develop and protect this resource. Thus, the intermediary decides to sell fresh water (block 211). The intermediary must locate the fresh water, which he can acquire as collateral (box 213). In the example of Figure 2 (Shirazi's '239 patent), the intermediary learns that Brazil has many natural lakes that boast large amounts of available water. It is then necessary to define the scope of valuation (box 215). For example, it is possible to value the water according to the value of water in Mexico or the Midwestern United States (where water is scarce and water can easily be delivered from the Amazon), or alternatively, it is possible to value the water according to the world market price for water. The intermediary decides to index the fresh water according to the international value of water (globally speaking). In particular, the broker first establishes the major products of water in the world market (block 217), determines a weight for each product (block 221), checks the price of each product (block 220), calculates the value of the entity according to each product (box 221), and calculates an index value of the entity based on the composite price of the various products, each weighted by a weighting factor (box 222). An example of establishing products (box 217), determining weights (box 219), checking prices (box 220), calculating values ​​(box 221), and calculating index values ​​(box 222) is illustrated in Figure 3 (of the Shirazi '239 patent) and the accompanying description.

[0198] The intermediary then splits the collateral into multiple portions (e.g. 1000m 3 The collateral is divided (box 223) into shares (which may be sold using shares or another financial instrument as known in the art) and the market value of each share is determined (box 225) depending on the index value and the terms of the collateral (e.g., the price of the shares may take into account the quality of the water in the lake, or the location and availability of the water). For example, if the index value is 1.07 usd / m 3 The lake is 1000m 3The market value of the stock may be 1070 USD if the broker acquires the rights to sell the collateral (box 227). For example, the broker acquires rights to the collateral by entering into a futures contract or supply agreement with the local government that owns the lake (box 227). The broker then sells the stock collateral to the investor at market price plus commission (box 229).

[0199] The index values ​​are updated from time to time. In particular, the algorithm checks whether it is time to update the status of the collateral (box 235) (e.g., this update may be done annually, or monthly, or whenever the index needs to be expanded or adjusted), and if yes, an expert appraiser assesses the collateral with respect to water quantity, quality, and availability (box 236), the value of the collateral is adjusted (box 237), any new required collateral is then sought (box 213), and the stocks are adjusted (box 239) to make sure that each security is covered by valid assets and that new required collateral is found. If it is not time to adjust the collateral (box 235, no), the algorithm checks whether it is time to update the weights (box 233) (Wx and Wxj [see, e.g., lines 362 and 363a-f, respectively, of FIG. 3 (Shirazi '239 patent)]) (e.g., this may be updated monthly or daily). If yes, the weights are determined (box 219) according to periodic reports from international trade organizations of the volumes of buying and selling of various commodities around the world. If no, the algorithm checks whether it is time to update the product price (box 231) (see, for example, lines 364a-f in FIG. 3). If yes, the price of the product is verified (box 220). The price of the product may be updated daily, hourly, or in real time depending on the price of the commodity available on the Internet or from other sources. If no, the transaction continues (e.g., selling the sale 229 right on the collateral).

[0200] FIG. 3 (Shirazi '239) shows the results of an example calculation of product weights and commodity values. In the example of FIG. 3 (Shirazi '239), eight products (water products) are selected (211). For each water product (A, Q, U, H, I, E, T, and B: export, domestic, desalination, bottling, refinery, food crop, and biofuel), the product weight Wx (line 362) is the portion of the water market represented by that product. Then, for each product, one or more representative cases are selected. For each representative case, one case weight Wx (lines 363a-f) is determined and one case value (lines 364a-f) is identified, respectively.

[0201] In the example of Figure 3 (of Shirazi's '239 patent), the broker determines 219 by examining the transaction data. In the selected range, 5% of water trade is for export (Wa=0.05), 50% is for domestic consumption (Wq=0.5), 9.95% is from desalination (Wu=0.0995), 0.05% is bottled (Wh=0.0005), 5% is refined (Wi=0.05), 20% is included as virtual water in food crops (Wt=0.2), and 10% is included as virtual water for biofuel production (Wb=0.1). Thus, in this example, the index price of water (369) is partially (W t +W b =30%) depends.

[0202] Alternatively, the index value calculation may include virtual water used in manufactured products such as paper, where water is used to suspend wood colloids and in cleaning in the finishing process.

[0203] Regarding the agricultural portion, water is used in the production of agricultural products such as orange juice and corn. However, including irrigation water in the indicator calculation is difficult because 1) much irrigation water is obtained directly from natural sources (private wells / rivers / rain) and 2) irrigation water is highly unregulated and unsubsidized. Virtual water refers to the amount of water used in the product, but is not an actual part of the product. To produce one kilogram of cereal, 700-3500 liters of crop water are used. Thus, buying agricultural products essentially involves purchasing water. By including the virtual price of water in agricultural products, the intermediary determines the price of water, which depends on market forces where the government has little influence on the price determination. This allows the intermediary to establish a stable market-based water indicator value (369).

[0204] A world market weighting factor W is determined for each product (219). More specifically, in the example of FIG. 3 (Shirazi '239), the world market weighting factors Wa, Wq, Wu, Wh, Wi, Wt, and Wb (line 262) (in the example of FIG. 3 (Shirazi '239), the market weights are export, household, desalination, bottling, refining, food crops, and biofuels, respectively) are calculated based on a fixed algorithm using available statistics.

[0205] Note that in the embodiment of FIG. 3 (Shirazi '239 patent), Wt1, Wt2, and Wt3 (line 263e) (weights of the hypothetical water cases in each food crop) are based on the amount of water physically contained in the commodity (the amount of water that is a component of the product), not the amount of water utilized to produce the product. Thus, for example, a particular market may have a 1300m 3 The trade includes 500,000 Kg of wheat (wheat is 60% water, and the density of water is 1000 Kg / m 3 Therefore, 500,000 kg of wheat is 500*0.6=300 m 31300 = 0.23. Similarly, the total water market (the sum of all water traded in all of the selected water products) is 6500 m 3 The total amount of water contained in traded food crops is 1300m 3 Therefore, the weight of the agriculture virtual water market in the water index value is the fraction of all water markets included in food crops: Wt=1300 / 6500=0.2.

[0206] In the example of Figure 3 ('Shirazi's '239 patent), the hypothetical value of water in the food crop (365a) is calculated as follows:

[0207] The price of corn in New York is 400 USD / ton. Corn contains 75% water and has a water content of 1500m 3 per ton of irrigation water. t1=400*0.75 / 1500=0.2usd / m 3 is the hypothetical value of water in corn.

[0208] The price of coffee, a New York product, is 950 USD / ton, and coffee is 55% water and 3500 m 3 irrigation water per ton is used. t2=950*0.55 / 3500=0.15usd / m 3 is the hypothetical value of water in coffee.

[0209] The price of wheat, a commodity in New York, is 500usd / ton. Wheat contains 60% water and has a water content of 1000m per ton. 3 irrigation water, t3=500*0.6 / 1000=0.3usd / m 3 is the hypothetical value of water in wheat.

[0210] By considering the case weights of each commodity from the total traded agricultural commodities (line 363e), we obtain a hypothetical value of water in food crops, which is T price T = Wt1*t1 + Wt2*t2 + Wt3*t3 = 0.27*$0.2 + 0.5*$0.15 + 0.23*$0.3 = 0.20 usd / m 3 (365a). The fictitious price T of water in agri-food products therefore depends on the market weights of each agri-food product, its market price, and the amount of water used in its production.

[0211] By including a hypothetical value for water in the index formula, the broker calculates a representative aggregate value for water, including the unregulated buying and selling of water in other commodities (products).

[0212] Furthermore, in the example of Figure 3 (Shirazi's 239 patent), for the desalinated water product U, in the selected evaluation range (global water trade), 647 m 3 It can be seen that u1 = 0.80 usd / m is desalinated water. 20% of the world's desalinated water is used in industrial cities (Wu1 = 0.20), and the representative case chosen is u1 = 0.80 usd / m 2 Perth Australia produces desalinated water at a production cost of u2 = 1.50 usd / m2. 50% of the world's desalinated water use is in resorts and islands (Wu2 = 0.50), and the representative case chosen is u2 = 1.50 usd / m2. 3 30% of the world's desalinated water use is in oil exporting countries (Wu3=0.30), and the representative case chosen is u3=4.00 usd / m 3 The weights are updated monthly while the representative prices are updated weekly. Hence, the price of desalinated water U=Wu1*U1+Wu2*u2+Wu3*u3=0.2*$0.80+0.5*$1.50+0.3*$4.00=2.11usd / m 3 (368).

[0213] The virtual water contained in biofuels is another part of the water trade. In the example of Figure 3 (Shirazi's '239 patent), the combined market weight of the three biofuels is 10% of the total water trade (Wb=0.1).

[0214] Many fuels, such as biodiesel (produced from waste oils or oleaginous plants, especially algae), biomethane (produced by anaerobic digestion of organic waste), and ethanol (produced from fermentation of cellular waste or grains), do not contain much water. Thus, the water content of the fuel is not used to calculate the weighting factor Wb. Two examples of alternative bases for Wb are the total mass / volume of the biofuel, or the amount of water output from the combustion of the biofuel. For liquid fuels (such as biodiesel and ethanol), the total volume or mass of the biofuel can be used to calculate the weighting factor Wb. Alternatively, for any biofuel, especially for gases (e.g., methane) whose volume and weight are not comparable to the water content or total volume of the liquid fuel, the mass of water output in the combustion products may be used to calculate Wb (alternatively, for biofuels, Wb may be based on the energy output from the combustion of the fuel or other combustion products or components of the fuel [e.g., carbon], multiplied by a proportionality constant). Thus, the total market for biofuels is 650 m 3 This includes the entire water trade (6500m 3 The volume of ethanol sold is 390 m 3 (Wb1 = 390 / 650 = 0.6), the volume of biodiesel sold is 260 m 3 (Wb2=195 / 650=0.3). In the example of FIG. 3 (Shirazi '239), the biomethane water market volume (based on weighting factor Wb3) is calculated based on the power output of the combustion of methane. Using the combustion power to calculate Wb facilitates comparisons between various biofuels with very different densities (alternatively, other bases of energy production or carbon content may be used for comparison). In particular, in the example of FIG. 3 (Shirazi '239), the market contains 38,800 m 3At room temperature, methane has a mass of 0.67 kg / m 3 Biomethane has a density of 38,800 m3, and burning 1 kg of biomethane produces about 2.5 kg of water. 3 methane is burned, 38800*0.67*2.5 / 1000=65m 3 Therefore, Wb3 = 65 / 650 = 0.1.

[0215] The hypothetical price of water in biofuels is based on the water input to the production of the fuel. It costs 3600 m to produce one tonne of ethanol from corn. 3 of water is used, and the price of ethanol is 800$ / ton, so the hypothetical value of water in ethanol is b1=$800 / 3600=0.22USD / m 3 A similar calculation for biodiesel (water needed to sustain the algae pond) gives b2 = 0.15 usd / m 3 In the example of Figure 3 (Shirazi '239 patent), the virtual value of water in biomethane is based on the amount of water used in its production. The cost of methane is 3.00 usd / m 3 and 1m 3 of biomethane production requires 7.0 m 3 of water is used, the hypothetical value of water in biomethane is b3 = 3.0 / 7.0 = 0.43 usd / m 3 Therefore, the total hypothetical value of water in biofuel B depends on the market weights of each product (total mass of fuel and water output during fuel combustion) and the amount of water used in the production of the fuel (B=Wb1*b1+Wb2*b2+Wb3*b3=0.6*$0.22+0.3*$0.15+0.1*$0.43=0.22usd / m 3 (365b).

[0216] Alternatively, the amount of CO2 emissions during the combustion of biofuels or the amount of carbon components in the biofuels can be used as a common basis for calculating all weighting factors for biofuels.

[0217] Once the weights for each product and the value of water for each product and product category have been calculated, the price is multiplied by the respective weights to arrive at a total value. In the example of Figure 3 (Shirazi's '239 patent), Wa*A+Wq*Q+Wu*U+Wh*H+Wi*I+Wt*T+Wb*B=0.05*0.92+0.5*0.77+0.0995*2.11+0.0005*200+0.05*1.75+0.2*0.198+0.1*0.22=0.89usd / m 3 (366). This price is for transportation cost N=0.01usd / m 3 (e.g., the average cost of shipping water from the source to the distributor) and the exit charge cost (D = 0.03 usd / m 3 ) (e.g., the average exit charge cost paid by other water importers for receiving water from other municipalities), and the recycling rate E=-0.015usd / m 3 (adjusted to account for the fact that some wastewater re-enters the distribution system [by infiltration into groundwater / by discharge into rivers / by artificial water reuse]) and is 0.91 usd / m 3 We obtain an adjusted price of 1.07 usd / m2 (367). Finally, the final price is obtained by multiplying the adjusted price by the supply and demand coefficient Z=1.12 (when there are many sellers and few buyers of water securities, the price adjusts upwards and vice versa when sellers outnumber buyers) and a wastage coefficient (1.05) that takes into account the increase in price to consumers due to the scarcity of water between the resource and the consumer. Thus, the water index value for the example in Figure 3 (Shirazi's '239 patent) is 1.07 usd / m2. 3 (369).

[0218] (Using the index value (369) in Figure 3 (of the Shirazi '239 patent) above, a company obtains securities or water purchase contracts for the value of water at the index value. The company distributes contracts in the form of basket shares of water based on the index value of water. The company can enter into agreements with financial institutions or investment firms to distribute the basket shares of water to their clients and earn an accordable fee and deposit from the transaction.)

[0219] Alternatively, a hypothetical value of a substance can be calculated based on the cost of the commodity (for which there are products of that substance that are substitutes for the commodity). For example, it is possible to calculate a hypothetical price of water based on the price of gasoline, since ethanol is a substitute for gasoline and a large part of the cost of producing ethanol is water. For example, if the price of gasoline is $700 / ton, and ethanol is a substitute for gasoline and costs $3600m to grow, then it is possible to calculate a hypothetical price of water based on the price of gasoline, since ethanol is a substitute for gasoline and a large part of the cost of producing ethanol is water. 3 of water required to produce one ton of ethanol from corn, the hypothetical value of water based on the price of gasoline is $700 / 3600=B=0.19usd / m 3 It is.

[0220] FIG. 4 (Shirazi '239) is a flow chart illustrating a method of investing. The investor first selects a product (e.g., fresh water) to invest in (box 470), and then finds a broker selling shares or other financial instruments (e.g., bonds, securities, futures, stocks, baskets) of that product (box 472). The investor then uses the broker's calculated index value for the product (e.g., index value (369) as described in FIG. 3 (Shirazi '239) and the accompanying description) (box 474). According to the calculated index value, the investor decides whether to invest (box 476). If "yes," the investor buys shares from the broker (box 478). If "no," the investor selects another product to invest in (box 470)."

[0221] It should be noted that although the present invention often refers to the processing device as a computer processing device, the system, device, and method of the present invention may be performed equally well using a processing device that is not within the definition of a computer processing device. In that regard, the term "processing device" is broad as understood in the art and may include hardware and / or firmware, chips, microchips, microprocessors, and / or CPUs, operably connected to software or programs or instructions or processes or applications that compute and / or perform the operations or functions illustrated by the system or method or device of the present invention. The processing device may be implemented in a wide range of electronic products, preferably digital appliances such as computers or telecommunication devices. The term "processor" is in the singular form, but is understood to include both one or many processing devices. For example, a processing device connected to a commodity exchange or display may include a processing device built into an electronic product, such as a computer or telecommunication device, connected to the commodity exchange or display.

[0222] While the present invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it is contemplated that many improvements, modifications, and other applications of the present invention may be made. Accordingly, the claimed invention as set forth in the following claims is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. 1. A computerized method for providing water of different water quality categories or classes, the method comprising: measuring the quality of the first water source or the first designated quantity of water using a water quality measuring device for at least one concentration of (i) TDS and (ii) carbonate or carboxylic acid to determine or monitor the suitability of the first water source or the first designated quantity of water in one or both of (a) a particular water quality category, including drinking water, and (b) a water quality class within one of the particular water quality categories; storing in a memory accessible to one or more computer processing devices the suitability of the first water source or the first designated water quantity in one or both of (a) a particular water quality category, including drinking water, and (b) a water quality class within one of the particular water quality categories; At least two of the following steps are carried out: (A) executing software on the one or more computer processing devices to generate a first volumetric price for two or more of the following ranges of chemical components: (i) TDS, (ii) H ２ CO ３ and (iii) pH: TDS<50 mg / l, 30≦H ２ CO ３ determining a price for a specific quantity of drinking water of a first quality from a first source or a first designated quantity, said drinking water having a pH of 5-10 and <250 mg / l; (B) executing software on the one or more computer processing devices to generate a second volumetric price for two or more of the following ranges of chemical components: (i) TDS, (ii) H ２ CO ３、 and (iii) pH: 50≦TDS<150 mg / l, H ２ CO ３ determining a price for a particular quantity of drinking water of a second quality from a first source or a first designated quantity, said drinking water having a pH of 5-10 and <400 mg / l; (C) executing software on said one or more computer processing devices to produce a third volumetric price of two or more of the following ranges of chemical components: (i) TDS, (ii) H ２ CO ３ and (iii) pH: 150≦TDS<500 mg / l, H ２ CO ３ determining a price for a particular quantity of drinking water of a third quality from a first source or a first designated quantity, said quantity having a pH of 5-10 and <500 mg / l; The method, wherein the drinking water of the first water quality, the second water quality and the third water quality is drinking water that is not recommended to be drunk untreated or is drinking water that is recommended to be drunk untreated.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising using, with the one or more computer processing devices, a quantity of drinking water of a first water quality, a second water quality, or a third water quality as collateral for buying and selling water.

3. 10. The method of claim 1, using the one or more computer processing devices to use the quantity of drinking water of the first water quality, the second water quality, or the third water quality as a financial security in buying and selling water.

4. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use a quantity of drinking water of a first water quality as a stock in buying and selling water.

5. 10. The method of claim 1, comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use a quantity of drinking water of a first water quality as a claim in buying and selling water.

6. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use a quantity of drinking water of a first water quality as a futures commodity in buying and selling water.

7. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first water source, or other water source whose water quality has been quantitatively determined, is water or ice, the water or ice being derived from an iceberg or from a portion of an iceberg.

8. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the specific amount of drinking water of the first water quality, second water quality or third water quality has the following ranges for Na and Cl: Na<5 mg / l, Cl<20 mg / l or the following ranges: Na<20 mg / l, Cl<300 mg / l or the following ranges: Na<50 mg / l, Cl<400 mg / l.

9. The specific amount of drinking water of the first water quality, the second water quality or the third water quality is CaCO ３ The following ranges for CaCO ３ <100 mg / l or less, CaCO ３ <200 mg / l or less, CaCO ３ 2. The method of claim 1, having a pH of <400 mg / l.

10. The specific amount of drinking water of the first water quality, the second water quality or the third water quality is NO ３ Regarding the following range, NO ３ <1 mg / l or below, NO ３ <5 mg / l or less, NO ３ 2. The method of claim 1, having a pH of <20 mg / l.

11. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the drinking water of the first water quality, the second water quality and the third water quality is desalinated water.

12. 1. A computerized method for providing water of different water quality categories or classes, the method comprising: measuring the quality of the first water source or the first designated quantity of water using a water quality measuring device for at least one concentration of (i) TDS and (ii) carbonate or carboxylic acid to determine or monitor the suitability of the first water source or the first designated quantity of water in one or both of (a) a specific water quality category including industrial quality water and (b) a water quality class within one of the specific water quality categories; storing in a memory accessible to one or more computer processing devices the suitability of the first water source or the first designated water quantity in one or both of (a) a particular water quality category, including drinking water, and (b) a water quality class within one of the particular water quality categories; At least two of the following steps are carried out: Two or more of the following chemical components in the following ranges sold at a first quantity price: (i) executing software on said one or more computer processing devices, thereby ２ CO ３ , and (iii): TDS<150 mg / l, 30<H ２ CO ３ determining a price for a specific quantity of industrial quality water of a first quality from a first source or a first specified quantity, said water having <250 mg / l and a pH of 5-10; and executing software on the one or more computer processing devices to produce a product comprising two or more of the following ranges of chemical components: (i) TDS, (ii) H, sold at a second price per unit volume: ２ CO ３ and (iii) pH: TDS<350 mg / l, H ２ CO ３ determining a price for a specific quantity of industrial quality water of a second quality from a first source or a first specified quantity, said water having <400 mg / l and a pH of 5-10; and executing software on said one or more computer processing devices to produce a product comprising two or more of the following ranges of chemical components: (i) TDS, (ii) H, sold at a third volumetric price: ２ CO ３ and (iii) pH: TDS<500 mg / l, H ２ CO ３ determining a price for a particular quantity of industrial quality water of a third quality from a first source or a first designated quantity, said water having <500 mg / l and a pH of 5-10; wherein the industrial quality water of the first water quality, the second water quality and the third water quality is water recommended for industrial use.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising using, with the one or more computer processing devices, a quantity of industrial quality water of a first quality, a second quality, or a third quality as collateral for buying and selling water.

14. 13. The method of claim 12, using the one or more computer processing devices to use the quantity of drinking water of the first water quality, the second water quality, or the third water quality as a financial security in buying and selling water.

15. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use a quantity of drinking water of a first water quality as a stock in buying and selling water.

16. 13. The method of claim 12, comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use a quantity of drinking water of a first water quality as a claim in buying and selling water.

17. 13. The method of claim 12, comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to trade a quantity of drinking water of a first water quality as a futures commodity in buying and selling water.

18. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first water source, or other water source whose water quality has been quantitatively determined, is water or ice, the water or ice being derived from an iceberg or from a portion of an iceberg.

19. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the specific amount of industrial quality water of the first quality, second quality or third quality has the following ranges for Na, Cl: Na<15 mg / l, Cl<100 mg / l or less; Na<30 mg / l, Cl<300 mg / l or less; Na<50 mg / l, Cl<400 mg / l.

20. The specific amount of industrial quality water of the first quality, second quality or third quality is CaCO ３ The following ranges for CaCO ３ <100 mg / l or less, CaCO ３ 13. The method of claim 12, having a pH of < 200 mg / l.

21. The specific amount of industrial quality water of the first quality, second quality or third quality is NO ３ Regarding the following range, NO ３ <50 mg / l or less, NO ３ The method of claim 12, having a pH of < 100 mg / l.

22. 1. A computerized method for providing water of different water quality categories or classes, the method comprising: measuring the quality of the first water source or the first designated quantity of water using a water quality measuring device for at least one concentration of (i) TDS and (ii) carbonate or carboxylic acid to determine or monitor the suitability of the first water source or the first designated quantity of water in one or both of (a) a specific water quality category that includes agricultural quality water and (b) a water quality class within one of the specific water quality categories; storing in a memory accessible to one or more computer processing devices the suitability of the first water source or the first designated water quantity in one or both of (a) a particular water quality category, including drinking water, and (b) a water quality class within one of the particular water quality categories; At least two of the following steps are carried out: By running the software on the one or more computer processing devices, two or more of the following ranges of chemical components (i) TDS, (ii) H, sold at a first price per unit amount are obtained: ２ CO ３ and (iii) pH: TDS<450 mg / l, H ２ CO ３ determining a price for a particular quantity of domestic water of a first quality from a first source or a first designated quantity, said quantity having a pH of 5-10 and <75 mg / l; and executing software on the one or more computer processing devices to produce a product comprising two or more of the following ranges of chemical components: (i) TDS, (ii) H, sold at a second price per unit volume: ２ CO ３ and (iii) pH: TDS<2000 mg / l, H ２ CO ３ determining a price for a particular quantity of domestic water of a second quality from a first source or a first designated quantity, said quantity having <500 mg / l and a pH of 5-10; and executing software on said one or more computer processing devices to produce a compound having two or more of the following ranges of chemical components: (i) TDS and (ii) H, sold at a third volumetric price: ２ CO ３ :TDS<2000mg / l, CaCO ３ determining a price for a particular quantity of domestic water of a third quality from a first source or a first designated quantity, the third quality having <2000 mg / l and a pH of 5-10; wherein the waters of the first water quality, the second water quality and the third water quality are waters recommended for agricultural use.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising using, with the one or more computer processing devices, a quantity of water of a first water quality, a second water quality, or a third water quality as collateral when buying and selling water.

24. 23. The method of claim 22, using the one or more computer processing devices to use the quantity of drinking water of the first water quality, the second water quality, or the third water quality as a financial security in buying and selling water.

25. 23. The method of claim 22, comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use a quantity of drinking water of a first water quality as a share of stock in buying and selling water.

26. 23. The method of claim 22, including using the one or more computer processing devices to use a quantity of drinking water of a first water quality as a claim in buying and selling water.

27. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use a quantity of drinking water of a first water quality as a futures commodity in buying and selling water.

28. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first water source, or other water source whose water quality has been quantitatively determined, is water or ice, the water or ice being derived from an iceberg or from a portion of an iceberg.

29. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the specific amount of water of the first water quality, second water quality or third water quality has the following ranges for Na and Cl: Na<75 mg / l, Cl<100 mg / l or the following ranges, Na<200 mg / l, Cl<300 mg / l or the following ranges, Na<800 mg / l, Cl<800 mg / l.

30. The specific amount of water of the first water quality, the second water quality or the third water quality is CaCO ３ The following ranges for CaCO ３ < 75 mg / l or less, CaCO ３ <500 mg / l or less, CaCO ３ 23. The method of claim 22, having a pH of < 2000 mg / l.

31. The specific amount of water of the first water quality, the second water quality, or the third water quality is NO ３ Regarding the following range, NO ３ <10 mg / l or less, NO ３ <20 mg / l or less, NO ３ 23. The method of claim 22, having a pH of < 50 mg / l.

32. 1. A computerized method for providing mineral water of different water quality categories or classes, the method comprising: measuring the quality of the first water source or the first designated quantity of water using a water quality measuring device for at least one concentration of (i) TDS and (ii) carbonate or carboxylic acid to determine or monitor the suitability of the first water source or the first designated quantity of water in one or both of (a) a particular water quality category including mineral water and (b) a water quality class within one of the particular water quality categories; storing in a memory accessible to one or more computer processing devices the suitability of the first water source or the first designated water quantity in one or both of (a) a particular water quality category, including drinking water, and (b) a water quality class within one of the particular water quality categories; At least two of the following steps are carried out: (A) executing software on the one or more computer processing devices to generate a first volumetric price for two or more of the following ranges of chemical components: (i) TDS, (ii) H ２ CO ３ , and (iii) pH: TDS>500 mg / l, H ２ CO ３ determining a price for a specific quantity of mineral water of a first quality class of a specific quality from a first source or a first specified quantity of water, said first quality class having a pH of 5-10 and <1500 mg / l; (B) executing software on the one or more computer processing devices to generate a second volumetric price for two or more of the following ranges of chemical components: (i) TDS, (ii) H ２ CO ３ and (iii) pH: TDS>1500 mg / lH ２ CO ３ determining a price for a specific quantity of mineral water of a second quality class of a specific quality from a first source or a first specified quantity of water, said second quality class having a pH of 5-10 and <1500 mg / l; (C) executing software on said one or more computer processing devices to produce a third volumetric price of two or more of the following ranges of chemical components: (i) TDS, (ii) H ２ CO ３ and (iii) pH: TDS>250 mg / lH ２ CO ３ determining a price for a specific quantity of mineral water of a third quality class of a specific quality from a first source or a first specified quantity of water, said water having a pH of 5-10 and <1500 mg / l; The method, wherein the mineral waters of the first water quality class, the second water quality class and the third water quality class are untreated and suitable for drinking.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use a quantity of mineral water of the first water quality class, the second water quality class or the third water quality class as collateral when buying or selling water.

34. The method of claim 32, further comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use a quantity of mineral water of the first water quality class, the second water quality class or the third water quality class as a financial security when buying or selling water.

35. 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use a quantity of drinking water of a first water quality as a stock in the sale and purchase of water.

36. 33. The method of claim 32, including using the one or more computer processing devices to use a quantity of drinking water of a first water quality as a claim in buying and selling water.

37. 33. The method of claim 32, comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to trade a quantity of potable water of a first water quality as a futures commodity in buying and selling water.

38. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the first water source, or other water source whose water quality has been quantitatively determined, is water or ice, the water or ice being derived from an iceberg or from a portion of an iceberg.

39. 33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the specific amount of mineral water of the first, second or third quality class has the following range for Na: Na<20 mg / l.

40. 33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the specific amount of mineral water of the first, second or third quality class has the following range for Cl: C1<300 mg / l.

41. The specific amount of mineral water of the first water quality class, the second water quality class or the third water quality class is NO ３ Regarding the following range, NO ３ 33. The method of claim 32, having a pH of < 5 mg / l.

42. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use the drinking water quality of the first water quality, second water quality or third water quality as a financial product for buying and selling water on an exchange.

43. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use at least one of the first water quality, second water quality or third water quality drinking water qualities in a weighted average of a plurality of financial instruments for buying and selling water on an exchange.

44. The method of claim 12, further comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use industrial water quality of first quality, second quality or third quality as a financial product for buying and selling water on an exchange.

45. The method of claim 12, further comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use at least one of the first, second or third industrial water qualities in a weighted average of a plurality of financial instruments for buying and selling water on an exchange.

46. The method of claim 22, further comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use the first water quality, second water quality or third water quality of domestic water as a financial product for buying and selling water on an exchange.

47. The method of claim 22, further comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use at least one of the first water quality, second water quality or third water quality domestic water qualities in a weighted average of a plurality of financial instruments for buying and selling water on an exchange.

48. The method of claim 32, further comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use the quality of the mineral water of the first water quality, second water quality or third water quality as a financial product for buying and selling water on an exchange.

49. The method of claim 32, further comprising using the one or more computer processing devices to use at least one of the mineral water qualities of first quality, second quality or third quality in a weighted average of a plurality of financial instruments for buying and selling water on an exchange.

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