Recent Papers on Performance Indicators
Content Table
- Public accountability and performance of two border water utilities
- Performance indicators and customer management: ACEA benchmarking experiences in water services in Latin America
- Combined sewer system versus separate system – a comparison of ecological and economical performance indicators
- Assessment of wastewater utilities and priority determination of budget allocation using performance indicators in Korean
- Comparison between two methodologies for urban drainage decision aid
- On the effect of spatial variances in historical rainfall time series to CSO performance evaluation
- Performance indicators for the efficiency analysis of urban drainage systems
- An integrated approach to water distribution network monitoring and performance prediction using geographical information systems
- Application of performance indicators to control losses - results from the Portuguese water sector
- Performance Indicators for Network Rehabilitation
- International Report: Performance assessment in the water industry
- Measuring up: do you have a scorecard?
- Performance indicators in water and sanitation for developing areas
Public accountability and performance of two border water utilities
Water Policy In Press, Uncorrected Proof © IWA Publishing 2009 | doi:10.2166/wp.2009.032
Ismael Aguilar-Beniteza and Jean-Daniel Saphoresb
aCorresponding author. El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Técnicos 277 Colonia Tecnológico Monterrey, Nuevo León, México Tel:+52 (81) 8387-4475, Fax:+52 (81) 8387-4645 E-mail: iaguilar@colef.mx
bCivil and Environmental Engineering; Planning, Policy and Design; and Economics Departments, University of California, Irvine 92697, USA Tel:+1-(949) 824 7334, Fax:+1-(949) 824-8385 E-mail: saphores@uci.edu
First received 26 February 2008; accepted in revised form 13 August 2008. Available online 9 November 2009.
Abstract
We analyze the performance of two water utilities located at the USA–Mexico border with a focus on public accountability. We evaluate selected performance indicators and explain how public accountability mechanisms can be associated with those outcomes. We find strong hierarchical accountability relationships between policymakers and water services providers but weak feedback mechanisms from customers to policymakers; moreover, structural barriers to political accountability resulting in weak accountability mechanisms may explain different facets of the relatively poor performance of both water utilities. Our findings suggest the need for these water utilities to build a closer relationship with their customers and to implement customer service indicators to track their performance.
Performance indicators and customer management: ACEA benchmarking experiences in water services in Latin America
Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology—AQUA Vol 57 No 4 pp 273–278 © IWA Publishing 2008 doi:10.2166/aqua.2008.088
Anthony Rouxel, Simona Brofferio and Lætitia Guerin-Schneider
ENGREF, Le Moulin du Rival, 12510, Druelle, France E-mail: anthonyrouxel@yahoo.fr
Acea Spa, P.le Ostiense 2, 00154, Rome, Italy
Service Public 2000, Antenne de Montpellier, 374 allée Henri II de Montmorency, 34000, Montpellier, France
Abstract
The paper presents the results of a study conducted by ACEA, the Italian water and energy utility based in Rome, in collaboration with the ENGREF (Ecole Nationale du Génie Rural des Eaux et des Forêts) on the use of performance indicators in the improvement of customer management in three Latin America water utilities, subsidiaries of ACEA (Acea Dominicana, Aguas de San Pedro and Aguazul Bogotá).
The paper illustrates how contractual and internal performance indicators are being employed to encourage self-improvement and better efficiency. The analysis suggests that the use of performance indicators by private operators is greatly driven by the regulator actions to measure their performance. Moreover, the effective use of contractual indicators is greatly dependant on the availability of initial data.
The second part of the article presents a benchmark exercise carried out between the three companies. Performance indicators focusing on commercial departments activities were defined and measured. The comparison permits the identification of improvement margins and provides reference data.
Combined sewer system versus separate system – a comparison of ecological and economical performance indicators
Water Science & Technology Vol 55 No 4 pp 255–264 © IWA Publishing 2007 doi:10.2166/wst.2007.116
S. De Toffol, C. Engelhard and W. Rauch
Unit of Environmental Engineering, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 13 A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria (E-mail: sara.de-toffol@uibk.ac.at)
Abstract
This paper aims at comparing the cost-effectiveness of the two main types of urban drainage systems, that is, the combined sewer system and the separate sewer system, based on the analysis of simulations. The problem of which of the two systems is better was heavily discussed over the years and the answer given to the question was usually: ‘it depends’. In this work, specific impacts are investigated in terms of a cause–effect analysis. The results are subsequently summarized and can help in the choice of the system to be implemented. Despite earlier reasoning, studies on river water quality strongly indicate that the separate system is not always the preferable solution because the polluted runoff from the street, containing e.g. different heavy metals, is discharged directly into the river. This analysis aims to compare the two different sewer systems on the basis of literature data and simulation of specific cases. The results are evaluated, as suggested in the EU-Water Framework Directive, on the basis of different assessment criteria: river water quality and morphology impacts, emissions and costs.
Assessment of wastewater utilities and priority determination of budget allocation using performance indicators in Korean
Water Science & Technology: Water Supply Vol 7 No 5-6 pp 119–129 © IWA Publishing 2007 doi:10.2166/ws.2007.116
S.G. Kim*, J.Y. Koo* , T.Y. Choi*** and A. Koizumi***
*Korea Engineering consultant Corporation, 643-22, Shinsa-dong, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, Korea
**Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 90, Jeonnong-dong, Dongdaemugu, Seoul, Korea (E-mail: jykoo@uos.ac.kr)
***Korea Water and Wastewater works Association, 613-2, Bulgwang-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, Korea
****Department of Civil Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minamiosawa, Hachioji City, Tokyo, Japan
Abstract
A budget of US $ 40.8 billion was allocated for wastewater utilities in Korea for the year 2004, but no definite standard for determining the appropriate budget allotted to wastewater utilities in Korea has been established. Thus, an effective method of determining the conditions of wastewater utilities and the allotment of an appropriate budget has been developed in this study. To this end, 36 indicators of the condition of Korean wastewater utilities were chosen, and then divided into four categories, namely: facilities, maintenance, management efficiency and environmental effects. The wastewater utilities of 48 Korean cities were allocated scores for each category based on their pertinent conditions. Through a cluster analysis, these cities were then subdivided into eight groups based on their individual scores for each category. From the cluster analysis, V and IV groups were found to be very good in all categories, I and II groups were average, III and VII groups required a bigger budget in the facilities category, IV group required a bigger budget in the maintenance category, and VIII group needed a bigger budget for both the facilities and maintenance categories. After examining the scores of all the groups in the different categories, it was determined that the facilities and maintenance categories were of the highest priority for the budget allocation.
Comparison between two methodologies for urban drainage decision aid
Water Science & Technology Vol 54 No 6-7 pp 493–499 © IWA Publishing 2006 doi:10.2166/wst.2006.612
P.M. Moura*, M.B. Baptista* and S. Barraud**
*Departamento de Engenharia Hidráulica e Recursos Hídricos, Escola de Engenharia da UFMG, Av. Contorno, 842, 80 Andar, 30110.060, Belo Horizonte, , MG, Brazil (E-mail: pmmoura@terra.com.br)
**URGC Hydrologie Urbaine, INSA Lyon, Bâtiment J.C.A. Coulomb, 34 avenue des Arts, 69621 Villeurbanne, Cedex, France
Abstract
The objective of the present work is to compare two methodologies based on multicriteria analysis for the evaluation of stormwater systems. The first methodology was developed in Brazil and is based on performance-cost analysis, the second one is ELECTRE III. Both methodologies were applied to a case study. Sensitivity and robustness analyses were then carried out. These analyses demonstrate that both methodologies have equivalent results, and present low sensitivity and high robustness. These results prove that the Brazilian methodology is consistent and can be used safely in order to select a good solution or a small set of good solutions that could be compared with more detailed methods afterwards.
On the effect of spatial variances in historical rainfall time series to CSO performance evaluation
Water Science & Technology Vol 54 No 6-7 pp 25–31 © IWA Publishing 2006 doi:10.2166/wst.2006.607
S. De Toffol*, Y. De Simon Burström** and W. Rauch*
*Institute of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 13, 6020 Innsbruck, , Austria (E-mail: sara.de-toffol@uibk.ac.at)
**Department of Environmental Engineering, CEIT, Apdo. 1555 20080 San Sebastian, , Spain
Abstract
Historical, high-resolution rain series are the backbone of modern combined sewer overflow (CSO) structure design. These rain series are the input to the computational estimation of the performance of the measures with respect to CSO pollution abatement. However, those historical precipitation measurements are available at only a few locations. Frequently rain series have to be used from gauging stations at a significant distance. In order to judge and to compensate for this influence an estimate between rain characteristics and combined sewer outflow (CSO) performance indicators would be useful. In this paper such correlations have been sought for a collection of 37 rain series covering large areas of Europe. It was found that the mean annual rain volume can explain most of the variances for the performance indicators Number of overflows and CSO volume. For explaining the spatial differences in the efficiency of the CSO structure another rain characteristic, i.e. the maximum event with a return period of one year, is to be used.
Performance indicators for the efficiency analysis of urban drainage systems
Water Science & Technology Vol 51 No 02 pp 109–118 © IWA Publishing 2005
S. Artina*, G. Becciu**, M. Maglionico***, A. Paoletti**** and U. Sanfilippo*****
*DISTART- Costruzioni Idrauliche, Università di Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy (E-mail: sandro.artina@unibo.it; marco.maglionico@unibo.it)
**DIIAR- Sez. Idraulica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy (E-mail: gianfranco.becciu@polimi.it; alessandro.paoletti@polimi.it; umberto.sanfilippo@polimi.it)
***DISTART- Costruzioni Idrauliche, Università di Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy (E-mail: sandro.artina@unibo.it; marco.maglionico@unibo.it)
****DIIAR- Sez. Idraulica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy (E-mail: gianfranco.becciu@polimi.it; alessandro.paoletti@polimi.it; umberto.sanfilippo@polimi.it)
*****DIIAR- Sez. Idraulica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy (E-mail: gianfranco.becciu@polimi.it; alessandro.paoletti@polimi.it; umberto.sanfilippo@polimi.it)
Abstract
Performance indicators implemented in a decision support system (DSS) for the technical, managerial and economic evaluation of urban drainage systems (UDS), called MOMA FD, are presented. Several kinds of information are collected and processed by MOMA FD to evaluate both present situation and future scenarios of development and enhancement. Particular interest is focused on the evaluation of the environmental impact, which is considered a very relevant factor in the decision making process to identify the priorities for UDS improvements.
An integrated approach to water distribution network monitoring and performance prediction using geographical information systems
Water Supply Vol 3 No 1-2 pp 307–312 © IWA Publishing 2003
M. Poulton
Cemagref Bordeaux, Unite ORH, 50 avenue de Verdun, F-33612 Cestas Cedex, France (E-mail: matthew.poulton@cemagref.fr)
Abstract
The deterioration of water distribution systems and the subsequent need for major rehabilitation has provided researchers with a challenge: to seek new techniques to facilitate decision-making and assist network planners. Consequently, a range of methods have been developed, concerning several key performance indicators. Those with the greatest potential tend to promote a pro-active approach to pipeline rehabilitation, by predicting future performance of individual or groups of pipes. Such an approach is essential if cost-effective solutions are to be found. Prediction models are based on indicators that are perceived to be the most appropriate for measuring and comparing an aspect of performance. The level of "appropriateness" is influenced not only by the availability of data and the ease at which it can be recorded, but also its accuracy and unambiguity. Consequently, indicators such as burst rates are widely used to assess structural performance. Ideally though, a more direct measure of the condition of a pipe could be used, such as its remaining wall thickness. This has previously been largely disregarded, due to the lack of appropriate (non-destructive) measurement technology. However, technological advances are being made to enable the inline monitoring of pipes and determination of deficiencies (particularly corrosion pits in cast iron pipes). This paper illustrates how online condition monitoring of distribution pipelines can be combined with existing prediction models, to facilitate the decision-making process. Integration is achieved through the use of a Geographical Information System (GIS), which greatly enhances representation of spatial and temporal information.
Application of performance indicators to control losses - results from the Portuguese water sector
Water Supply Vol 3 No 1-2 pp 127–133 © IWA Publishing 2003
R. Cunha Marques* and A.J. Monteiro**
*Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, ESTG, Morro do Lena, Alto Vieiro, 2401-951 Leiria, Portugal (E-mail: rcmar@mail.telepac.pt)
**Technical University of Lisbon, IST, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal (E-mail: ajm@civil.ist.utl.pt)
Abstract
More and more the problem of water losses and leakages in water supply systems is becoming important in the management of water utilities. No matter how developed a country is, there is a growing and general awareness of this subject. Among the several motivations that contribute to this growing concern are, without doubt, the shortage of resources availability in several water supply systems on the one hand and, on the other hand, the economic value of the volume of water lost. Portugal is no exception. In recent years, there has been some dynamism in the sector in the accounting, control, leakages and loss detection, mainly in the biggest systems. This paper presents an approach to the control of water leakages and losses through the setting of performance indicators that allow the evaluation and characterization of the management entity for this aspect. Some results of those indicators will also be described here, as well as their application to several Portuguese water utilities and the assessment methodology of the results obtained. This paper also puts into evidence expressions and correlation curves between the different indicators and factors that directly or indirectly interfere in the result of the water utilities' performance with relation to the water losses and leakages presented.
Performance Indicators for Network Rehabilitation
Water Intelligence Online © IWA Publishing 2003
H. Alegre, J.M. Baptista, S.T. Coelho and P. Praca
LNEC - National Civil Engineering Laboratory, Lisbon 1700 066, Portugal
Abstract
Rehabilitation is nowadays a hot topic of the agenda of most European water supply stake-holders. Many existing water mains have reached their expected lifetime and high capital investments are required to renovate them. Well-devised methodologies for rehabilitaion planning are needed, in order to define what, when and how to rehabilitate water transmission and distribution networks. In principle, asset condition should be directly taken into consideration. However, this is a challenging task because mains are buried infrastructures, not easily inspected. Indirect measures, such as performance indicators (PI) must be considered. This paper focuses on the work developed in the scope of research project CARE-W with regard to the selection and use of rehabilitation PI.
International Report: Performance assessment in the water industry
Water Supply Vol 2 No 4 pp 151–162 © IWA Publishing 2002
W. Merkel
IWW Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wasser, Beratungs- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH Moritzstra§e 26, D-45476 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany (E-mail: w.merkel@iww-online.de)
Abstract
National contributions from 16 countries and additional information were used for an international state-of-the-art report on performance assessment (PA) in the water industry. The purposes of this international report are i) to discuss areas of PA within the water supply and wastewater sector, ii) to analyse aspects of practical relevance and iii) to look on future trends and developments. Several aspects of PA are discussed, such as the quality and the availability of data, the importance of definitions and explanatory factors, the use of information from PA, and practical aspects such as willingness to participate and costs. Standardised PA frameworks of the International Water Association (IWA), the World Bank, and the Water Utility Partnership are presented, and an outlook on research and development of PA tools is given.
Measuring up: do you have a scorecard?
Water Supply Vol 2 No 4 pp 181–187 © IWA Publishing 2002
K. Johnson
EMA, Inc., 3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92108, USA (E-mail: kjohnson@ema-inc.com)
Abstract
Performance measurement can be an effective tool in driving organization improvement to enable your utility to become more competitive, or improve customer satisfaction. WERF Project #99-WWF-7, Developing and Implementing a Performance Measurement System, is developing performance measurement systems by investigating a number of "best practices" in other industries and implementing selected practices at various water/wastewater utilities nationwide to determine how these practices can be adapted and applied. This joint WERF/AWWARF research project has been underway since mid-1999 to provide methods and tools that enable the utility to develop and implement a performance measurement system based on a demonstrated, proven approach. The Volume I Report summarizes the secondary research and project approach. Well designed, properly implemented performance measurement systems can enable utilities to achieve new levels of performance in terms of efficiency, quality, and effectiveness. Interest in performance measurement is increasing in all competitive businesses and industries today, and has been advanced through concepts such as the Balanced Scorecard. Utilities can employ these same concepts and learn "best practices" from other industries' experiences. While a performance measurement system alone does not improve performance or make a utility competitive, when combined with an appropriate business strategy and performance improvement initiatives, it can drive a cycle of change. A successful performance measurement system combines a holistic approach around improved business practices and effective human/organizational strategies in addition to actual performance information for operational decision-making.
Performance indicators in water and sanitation for developing areas
Water Science & Technology Vol 44 No 6 pp 127–134 © IWA Publishing 2001
P. Pybus* and G. Schoeman**
*Philip Pybus Consulting Engineer, PO Box 273, Parklands, 2121, South Africa
**Afrosearch, PO Box 13540, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
Abstract
There is a move throughout the developed world to introduce benchmarking techniques to the management of water and sanitation systems. The indicators that are being considered for benchmarking purposes tend to cover a broad band of activities that are part of the scope of management of large organisations. Most of the lists that have been prepared do not really cater for the implementation and operation of small rural schemes. The greatest need is the implementation of sustainable schemes for this category of consumer. The implementation of a rural water and sanitation scheme involves the negotiation in the initial stages with the local community representatives of what the community wants and how it will be provided and operated. This may have to be preceded by a period of empowerment so that the negotiations can be conducted by informed people. At the conclusion of the negotiations a business plan can be prepared that should be implemented in association with the community. The project is at this stage mainly in the control of a professional engineer, responsible for the technical interpretation of the business plan and the management of the construction phase. Finally, after commissioning, a water service provider will be responsible for the operation, management and maintenance of the scheme on a sustainable basis. The key actions and activities are identified and performance criteria defined. As communication at the beginning of the project is a critical component, the success of this is confirmed by examination and discussion as to how much has in fact been communicated and understood correctly. Other performance indicators for the operational phase are derived from the conventional ones used in the developed world. Finally, it is important that the participants, do not see the measurement of performance as a threatening situation, but rather a stepping stone to improvement of not only performance, but also of subsequent reward.
