The supply of water services to scale
A review of the qualitative data on the economic benefits and costs of investments in the delivery of water services at scale
Abstract
This report presents a review of the qualitative data on the potential economic benefits and costs of investments in the delivery of water services at scale in developing countries.
The range of mechanisms with which water is conserved and managed is considered, for example: water and sanitation for households; wastewater collection; water for irrigation; and catchment management. A brief analysis of the cost-effectiveness of each mechanism is provided, with evidence provided from a range of sources for further reference.
A key section of the report explores issues around delivering water services at scale, including the advantages, or not, of scaling up, and presentation of potential business models.
The final section presents evidence for the potential economic benefits and costs of research into increasing the sustainability of water system services, including looking at important policy research issues such as climate change, and industry and commerce, and the role of research in water resource management.
Citation
Mountford, L. The supply of water services to scale. Evidence on Demand, UK (2013) 45 pp. [DOI: 10.12774/eod_hd012.jan2013.mountford]
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