An abstraction/pollution standard which varies according to the type of product that is used (e.g. energy mix) could also eliminate incentives for users/polluters to switch to products that cause less water risk. Conversely, a regulation that focuses on the environmental outcome (e.g. diversion limit or ambient water quality standards) would provide more flexibility for users/polluters to find low-cost improvement/abatement options. They should also not usually specify which technologies are to be used to reach a certain water security target. Regular consideration should also be given to whether existing regulations unnecessarily limit users/polluters’ flexibility to apply existing cost-saving improvement/abatement options - or to develop new ones.