The purpose of the research was to assess the legitimacy of the establishment and functioning of the regulator (PGW Wody Polskie), responsible for approving tariffs for water supply and sewage disposal. Answers were sought as to the sense of its functioning and whether the tasks entrusted to it are performed properly. The main research method used in this study was a document survey consisting of a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the content contained. A review of available documents on the subject matter addressed was carried out. The opinion of local government officials and water and sewer entrepreneurs themselves on the functioning of PGW Wody Polskie was read. The author considers whether it is not better to return to the approval of tariffs at the level of municipal councils, as was the case before the amendment of the law. A thesis is put forward relating to the current way in which the regulator approves tariffs for the supply of municipal water and sewage by paying attention to the political issues of decision-making in this regard.
The Republic of Armenia's water and sanitation services (WSS) sector has seen impressive improvements over the last decade. The Government of Armenia (GoA) has restructured, reformed, and invested in the sector in ways that have improved access, continuity, and quality of WSS. The purpose of the report is to help the GoA: analyze the current levels and structures of water and wastewater tariffs compared to the costs of service; forecast costs under alternative scenarios, and forecast revenues under alternative tariff levels and structures; and recommend how Armenia can move from current tariffs to the tariffs required for full cost-recovery in the sector. This includes recommendations on: a transition plan for phasing in gradually higher tariffs; ways to improve the protection of the customers most vulnerable to tariff increases. The World Bank commissioned this study to inform the GoA's work in developing tariff policy and regulation in the WSS sector. The report is structured as follows: section one gives introduction. Section two analyzes the current affordability of WSS in Armenia and describes results from a nationwide willingness-to-pay (WtP) survey. Section three analyzes the cost of WSS in Armenia. It estimates revenue requirements for the service providers, and it develops optional structures for cost-recovery level water and sanitation tariffs. Section four presents alternatives for transitioning to cost-recovery level tariffs over time, while protecting the poorest customers.
Nonmarket valuation methods have proved useful in planning and evaluating investments in water and wastewater infrastructure in developing countries. This study used contingent referendum methods to estimate household willingness to pay for each of four types of service improvements stemming from water and wastewater investments in Cairo, Egypt. An analysis of the net economic benefits of the investments concluded that benefits exceeded costs for all projects. Cost recovery was not assured with a fixed tariff. Willingness to pay for some households was less than the per household cost necessary for cost recovery. Cost recovery was also sensitive to whether tariffs were set for individual services or charged for a combined package of services.
Water stress has become a problem in most Indian cities, as rapid population growth increases simultaneously water demand by households, industries, and power plants. Utilities need to meet this growing demand while ensuring fair tariffs for users and promoting a sustainable use of water resources. As federal and state governments look for innovative alternatives to freshwater, the reuse of treated wastewater is gaining attention and being promoted at the federal and state levels. In addition to the environmental, health, and social benefits of treating wastewater; treated wastewater can become a reliable water source for industrial users, freeing up freshwater resources for households and helping address water scarcity in big cities. The government of India has taken steps to promote wastewater reuse, starting with the regulation of industrial water consumption and the setting and enforcement of mandatory water reuse targets for industries. The national target is to treat and reuse 50 percent of total wastewater by 2022 (PwC 2016). Some cities have set their own, more ambitious targets, and states such as Gujarat (Government of Gujarat, 2018) and Maharashtra (IndianExpress, 2017) have implemented new policies to promote wastewater reuse. Moreover, the government of India has adopted policies, established strong mechanisms of regulation, and provided funding for various programs, such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), to enable municipal authorities to enter into public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements to attract private funding. As a result, municipalities across the country have started to implement wastewater reuse projects. Most of these initiatives are led by utilities, through partnerships with the private sector, and with the central government covering part of the capital costs. The success of these projects reveals that wastewater reuse activities can be viable if properly structured and supported by enabling policies and institutions.
To evaluate the sustainability of services in the region, an overall sector assessment has been done taking into account four main dimensions: access to services, quality of services, efficiency of services, and financing of services. Each of these dimensions is measured through three simple and objective indicators. For each indicator, best practice values are established by looking at the best performers in the region, and the countries closest to those best performers are deemed to have a more mature sector. A more complete description of the methodology to assess sector sustainability is included in the annex of the state of the sector regional report from the Danube Water Program. The outcomes of this assessment for the Serbian water sector are presented, which also shows average and best practices in the Danube region. The Serbian sector sustainability score is 61, which is below the Danube average sustainability of 64. The assessment shows that, on average, the country performs well in terms of access to piped water and flush toilets, nonrevenue water, and affordability. The main deficiencies of the Serbian water sector identified through the sector sustainability assessment are the level of investment, wastewater treatment coverage, and the operating cost ratio. The main sector challenges are: strengthening and clarifying sector governance; ensuring tariff setting according to the cost recovery principle to improve overall performance in preparation for EU accession; and enhancing water utility staff capacity and training.
To evaluate and reflect the sustainability of services in the region, an overall sector sustainability assessment was done, taking into account four main dimensions: access to services, quality of services, efficiency of services, and financing of services. Each of these dimensions is measured through three simple and objective indicators. For each indicator, best practice values are established by looking at the best performers in the region, and countries closest to those best performers are deemed to have a more mature sector. A more complete description of the methodology to assess sector sustainability is included in the Annex of the State of the Sector Regional Report from the Danube Water Program. The outcomes of this assessment for Hungary's water sector are displayed, which also shows average and best practices in the Danube region. The Hungarian sector sustainability score is 74, which is far above the Danube average sustainability of 64, and is among the best practices in the region. The assessment shows that, on average, the country performs well in terms of continuity of access to piped water and flush toilet, collection ratio, nonrevenue water and staffing level. The main deficiencies of Hungary's water sector identified through the sector sustainability assessment are the operating cost ratio, affordability, and investments. The main sector challenges are: achieving full cost recovery; preventing the degradation of assets in the long term; and preparing for the risks caused by climate change.
AbstractThe problem of an outdated tariff has become acute recently with increased water scarcity in Palestine. Therefore, the goals of the study were to analyse the factors that could affect the water consumption in Jericho governorate, Palestine; explore societal perceptions of alternative water sources; and to identify areas that need to be re‐examined for tariff revision or changes to water source and delivery. A total of 76% of the respondents know the water tariff price, and 61% of the sample considers the tariff as high. Future suggestions to raise the price of water will meet resistance. Interestingly, 66% of the respondents agree with the possible future use of treated wastewater, and 46% of the respondents emphasize that treated wastewater is the most favoured solution for water scarcity. Overall, the results indicate the public identifies water conservation as possible and that alternative actions can be applied in order to manage and conserve water resources.
To evaluate and reflect the sustainability of services in the region, an overall sector sustainability assessment was done, taking into account four main dimensions: access to services, quality of services, efficiency of services, and financing of services. Each of these dimensions is measured through three simple and objective indicators. For each indicator, best practice values are established by looking at the best performers in the region, and countries closest to those best performers are deemed to have a more mature sector. A more complete description of the methodology to assess the sector sustainability is included in the annex of the state of the sector regional report from the Danube Water Program. The outcomes of this assessment for the Slovenia water sector are displayed, which also shows average and best practices in the Danube region. The Slovenian sector sustainability score is 84, which is above the Danube average sustainability score of 64. The assessment shows that, on average, the country performs well in terms of access to piped water and flush toilets, affordability, continuity of service, customer satisfaction, nonrevenue water, and collection ratio. The main deficiencies of Slovenia's water sector identified through the sector sustainability assessment are wastewater treatment coverage, operating cost ratio, and investment level. The main sector challenges are: increasing the rehabilitation of the water infrastructure and improving its reliability; and improving monitoring and reporting practices.
The article is devoted to the analysis of European models of water supply and wastewater management and their implementation in Ukraine. The authors review the classical models of EU water supply and water dsposal management: English, French and German, their historical and political roots, the theoretical basis. In parallel, the authors analyze the state policy in the sphere of water supply and wastewater of Ukraine, the principles of its formation and features, the current state of the sphere of water supply and wastewater, organizational and legal forms of water supply and wastewater enterprises. The article analyzes the current state of realization of public- private partnership in the field of water supply and wastewater with indication of existing contracts and contracts that have become invalid. It is proved that the difference between the water supply and wastewater companies of different management models in Ukraine is not marked, as the general state of the water supply and wastewater sector shows the existence of common problems characteristic of all enterprises. In particular, the ineffectiveness of tariff policies, depreciation of fixed assets, low quality of services, difficult financial condition, inadequate investment, etc. The authors discuss the possibilities of adaptation of classical management models in Ukraine and possible consequences. The article defines the institutional problems of the state policy of Ukraine in the sphere of water supply and wastewater, which influence the efficiency of the implementation and functioning of any model of management and regulation. ; The article is devoted to the analysis of European models of water supply and wastewater management and their implementation in Ukraine. The authors review the classical models of EU water supply and water dsposal management: English, French and German, their historical and political roots, the theoretical basis. In parallel, the authors analyze the state policy in the sphere of water supply and wastewater of Ukraine, the principles of its formation and features, the current state of the sphere of water supply and wastewater, organizational and legal forms of water supply and wastewater enterprises. The article analyzes the current state of realization of public- private partnership in the field of water supply and wastewater with indication of existing contracts and contracts that have become invalid. It is proved that the difference between the water supply and wastewater companies of different management models in Ukraine is not marked, as the general state of the water supply and wastewater sector shows the existence of common problems characteristic of all enterprises. In particular, the ineffectiveness of tariff policies, depreciation of fixed assets, low quality of services, difficult financial condition, inadequate investment, etc. The authors discuss the possibilities of adaptation of classical management models in Ukraine and possible consequences. The article defines the institutional problems of the state policy of Ukraine in the sphere of water supply and wastewater, which influence the efficiency of the implementation and functioning of any model of management and regulation.
To evaluate the sustainability of services in the region, an overall sector sustainability assessment was done taking into account four main dimensions: access to services, quality of services, efficiency of services, and financing of services. Each of these dimensions is measured through three simple and objective indicators. For each indicator, best practice values are established by looking at the best performers in the region, and countries closest to those best performers are deemed to have a more mature sector. A more complete description of the methodology to assess sector sustainability is included in the annex of the state of the sector regional report from the Danube Water Program. The outcomes of this assessment for the FYR Macedonia water sector are presented in Figure 9, which also shows average and best practices in the Danube region. The Macedonian sector sustainability score is 61, which is below the Danube average of 64. The assessment shows that, on average, the country performs well in terms of access to piped water and flush toilets, continuity of service, staffing level, and affordability. The main deficiencies of the FYR Macedonia water sector identified through the sector sustainability assessment are investment level, operating cost ratio, wastewater treatment coverage, and the nonrevenue water level. The main sector challenges are: securing a multiyear investment budget; improving the efficiency of service providers; and implementing fully the existing water laws.
To evaluate and reflect the sustainability of services in the region, an overall sector sustainability assessment was conducted taking into account four main dimensions: access to services, quality of services, efficiency of services, and financing of services. Each of these dimensions is measured through three simple and objective indicators. For each indicator, best practice values are established by looking at the best performers in the region, and countries closest to those best performers are deemed to have a more mature sector. A more complete description of the methodology to assess sector sustainability is included in the annex of the state of the sector regional report from the Danube water program. The outcomes of this assessment for the Kosovo water sector are presented, which also shows average and best practices in the Danube region. As a result, the Kosovo sector sustainability score is 63, which is close to the Danube average sustainability of 64. The assessment shows that, on average, the country performs well in terms of access to piped water and flush toilets, continuity of service, staffing level and operating cost ratio. The main deficiencies identified through the sector sustainability assessment are the investment level, nonrevenue water, and wastewater treatment coverage. The main sector challenges are: securing stable and long-term financing for compliance investments; increasing water utility billing collection; and improving the efficiency of utilities to enhance their sustainability.
To evaluate and reflect the sustainability of services in the region, an overall sector maturity assessment was done taking into account four main dimensions: access to services, quality of services, efficiency of services, and financing of services. Each of these dimensions is measured through three simple and objective indicators. For each indicator, best practice values are established by looking at the best performers in the region, and countries closest to those best performers are deemed to have a more mature sector. A more complete description of the methodology to assess the sector maturity is included in the annex of the state of the sector regional report from the Danube Water Program. The outcomes of this assessment for the Austrian water sector are presented, which also shows average and best practices in the Danube region. The Austrian sector maturity score is 96, which is significantly higher than the Danube average maturity of 64, and the highest score in the region. The assessment shows that, on average, the country performs very well in terms of access to piped water and flushes toilet, wastewater treatment coverage, customer satisfaction, continuity of service, wastewater compliance, collection ratio, and nonrevenue water.
This article follows the flow of wastewater in Los Angeles, California, from upstream treatment plants to the Pacific Ocean, to explore struggles over reconfigurations of urban wastewater flows for new policy ambitions in recycling and reuse. We show how ambitious infrastructure visions of circular urban resource management have gained force since California's most recent drought (2011−17) but clash with incumbent gravity-fed water and sewer systems, political economy and urban geographies. Engineers navigate these path dependencies through incremental technical improvements of existing infrastructures to increase wastewater recycling. These interventions largely reproduce given infrastructure configurations and urban geographies of water and wastewater while marginalizing other voices in struggles over water circularity and stymying critical debate about more progressive change. We argue that novel infrastructural practices are deeply political and normative and can be explained by four dimensions of the 'technopolitics' of wastewater restructuring in Los Angeles: materiality and inherited topologies of infrastructures; circularity discourses; entrenched knowledge cultures; and institutional orders of infrastructure management and public control mechanisms of infrastructure investments and tariffs. We conclude by discussing how these four dimensions of an emerging technopolitical regime of wastewater recycling expand concepts of power that explain urban metabolic change.
This article follows the flow of wastewater in Los Angeles, California, from upstream treatment plants to the Pacific Ocean, to explore struggles over reconfigurations of urban wastewater flows for new policy ambitions in recycling and reuse. We show how ambitious infrastructure visions of circular urban resource management have gained force since California's most recent drought (2011−17) but clash with incumbent gravity-fed water and sewer systems, political economy and urban geographies. Engineers navigate these path dependencies through incremental technical improvements of existing infrastructures to increase wastewater recycling. These interventions largely reproduce given infrastructure configurations and urban geographies of water and wastewater while marginalizing other voices in struggles over water circularity and stymying critical debate about more progressive change. We argue that novel infrastructural practices are deeply political and normative and can be explained by four dimensions of the 'technopolitics' of wastewater restructuring in Los Angeles: materiality and inherited topologies of infrastructures; circularity discourses; entrenched knowledge cultures; and institutional orders of infrastructure management and public control mechanisms of infrastructure investments and tariffs. We conclude by discussing how these four dimensions of an emerging technopolitical regime of wastewater recycling expand concepts of power that explain urban metabolic change.
