The paper examines economic mechanisms of water quota allocation under conditions of increasing water scarcity. Water quota allocation is considered as a key instrument for water distribution, closely linked to tariff regulation, water markets, and water rights. The study explores fixed, adaptive, seasonal, and market-based quota models. A comparative analysis of practices in Australia, Spain, and Chile is conducted, alongside an assessment of challenges related to the allocation of water withdrawal limits in Central Asia. The study concludes that the most sustainable approaches are hybrid models combining state regulation of environmentally acceptable quotas with economic mechanisms for their efficient redistribution among water users.