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1 – 10 of 309
Article
Publication date: 11 September 2007

Amr A.G. Hassanein and Reham A. Khalifa

The paper seeks to assess the performance of 234 public and private water and wastewater utilities from industrialized and developing countries.

2019

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to assess the performance of 234 public and private water and wastewater utilities from industrialized and developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A group of financial and operational indicators was calculated for the sample utilities.

Findings

Some indicators calculated for the private sector, represented by US and UK water and wastewater utilities, demonstrated better values compared with public utilities, such as staff number per 1,000 connections and return on equity ratio and tariffs charged. On the other hand, the percentage of unaccountedfor water and the debt to equity ratio evidenced no advantage in private over public utilities. Further, the performance of water and wastewater utilities of developing countries and Egypt does need improvement.

Originality/value

A key problem in most of water and wastewater utilities is the absence of performance assessment tools. To this end, this research utilized indicators as a means of performance assessment of water/wastewater utilities.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2015

Mahdy Jarboo and Husam Al-Najar

This paper aims to identify the priorities on water sector planning. The priorities are identified by comparing the climate change impact on water consumption and the impact of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the priorities on water sector planning. The priorities are identified by comparing the climate change impact on water consumption and the impact of using domestic water illegally to irrigate the urban agricultural holdings in suburban areas.

Design/methodology/approach

Metered water consumption in summer and winter in both urban and suburban areas was studied in Rafah city. A backward chronological linear model of climate change (precipitation and temperature) influence on water consumption was developed using software STATISTICA 10. The developed statistical relation was used to predict the impact of various climate change scenarios for domestic water consumption. Hence, four climate change scenarios were hypothesized – an increase in temperature by 1 and 20°C and a reduction in the rainfall by 10 and 20 per cent, respectively.

Findings

The most influential climate change scenario was the increase of temperature by 20°C, which caused an increase of 1.4 per cent on the average domestic water consumption compared to the current value. The hypothesized reduction of 20 per cent in precipitation caused a negligible increase in water consumption by 0.1 per cent from the current value. Urban agriculture and current practice of using municipal water to irrigate cultivated urban holdings have a significant negative influence on domestic water consumption. The aforementioned practice led to a high percentage of unaccounted for water (UFW) of 33, 38 and 45 per cent for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Practical implications

The concerned decision-makers should consider the right track in prioritizing dilemmas for planning water sector in suburban areas.

Originality/value

This research could be considered the first of its kind because impacts of urban agriculture and climate change on domestic water consumption have never been previously considered in the Gaza Strip.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2010

Saumya Singh, A.B. Samaddar and R.K. Srivastava

The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology for sustainable drinking water management by assessing the existing state of the water supply system in the study area…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology for sustainable drinking water management by assessing the existing state of the water supply system in the study area (Allahabad, India). An attempt is made to identify various problems and gaps in the existing system and evolve solutions for the present water supply problems in a GIS framework. Finally, the paper proposes a conceptual framework for sustainable drinking water management.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in four stages. The first stage involved collection of data and background information through various primary and secondary sources including reports and publications of various organizations. This was followed by discussions with various officials of Uttar Pradesh (UP) Jal Nigam (Water Corporation), Jal Sansthan (Water Board), State Ground Water Board, Central Ground Water Board and Municipal Corporation of the city. The second stage involved field studies in a few zones of the city. The third stage involved data input and analysis on a GIS platform, and the fourth stage includes the development of a solution of the present problems and proposing a conceptual framework for ensuring sustainable drinking water management for Allahabad City.

Findings

ArcInfo 9.1 has been used as a tool for storing all types of relevant data for analysis and decision making. The various thematic maps include water supply zone map, water deficit localities map, land use map, location of tubewells, overhead tanks, zonal pumping station, ward boundaries, population map, water demand and supply map.

Research limitations/implications

Applicability of a partnership between the public and the private sector has to be checked for proper institutional analysis in Allahabad City.

Originality/value

The paper assesses the problems in the existing water supply system in Allahabad and proposes to give a GIS‐based solution strategy for its sustainability. The proposed GIS‐based conceptual framework would improve the current practice of drinking water management and would reduce the present problem of water crisis. The findings of the study would be useful for cities with similar problems in underdeveloped and developing countries.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 August 2011

Julia Hall and Conor Murphy

This paper aims to develop a framework to assist the identification of robust adaptation options that account for uncertainty in future climate change impacts for the water sector.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a framework to assist the identification of robust adaptation options that account for uncertainty in future climate change impacts for the water sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The water evaluation and planning (WEAP) tool, is to identify future water resource vulnerability in the Glore sub‐catchment within the Moy catchment in the West of Ireland. Where water stress is evident, a detailed hydrological modelling approach is developed to enable an assessment of the robustness to uncertainty of future adaptation decisions. WEAP is coupled with a rainfall runoff model (hydrological simulation model), and forced using climate scenarios, statistically downscaled from three global climate models to account for the key sources of uncertainty. While hydrological models are widely applied, they are subject to uncertainties derived from model structure and the parameterisation of the catchment. Here, random sampling of key parameters is employed to incorporate uncertainty from the hydrological modelling process. Behavioural parameter sets are used to generate multiple future streamflow series to determine where the bounds within future hydrological regimes may lie and the ranges within which future adaptation policy pathways need to function.

Findings

This framework allows the identification of adaptation options that are robust to uncertainty in future simulations.

Research limitations/implications

Future research will focus on the development of more site‐specific adaptation options including soft and hard adaptation strategies. This approach will be applied to multiple water resource regions within Ireland.

Originality/value

A robust adaptation assessment decreases the risk of expensive and/or mal‐adaptations in a critical sector for society, the economy and the aquatic environment.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 3 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1997

Dragan Savic, Godfrey Walters, Philip G. Ashcroft and Arthur Arscott

Notes that the most important fixed asset of any water distribution company is its pipe network. However, once installed it is difficult to manage not only because it is buried in…

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Abstract

Notes that the most important fixed asset of any water distribution company is its pipe network. However, once installed it is difficult to manage not only because it is buried in the ground but because management of potable water networks encompasses complex activities concerned with supply. In addition, privatized UK water utilities are required to balance often conflicting demands from their shareholders, regulators and customers. Maintenance, including rehabilitation, replacement, and/or expansion of existing networks to meet current and future demands, is the major element of potable water distribution management. Introduces hydroinformatics as a way forward for water network management and maintenance in particular. Looks at elements such as geographic information systems and artificial neural networks. Outlines the scope for improvement to the new technologies for maintenance of water networks together with a wide range of possible applications.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 3 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 January 2017

Stephen Jollands and Martin Quinn

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the Irish Government mobilised accounting concepts to assist in implementing domestic water billing. While such is commonplace in other…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the Irish Government mobilised accounting concepts to assist in implementing domestic water billing. While such is commonplace in other jurisdictions and is generally accepted as necessary to sustain a water supply, previous attempts were unsuccessful and a political hot potato.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use an actor-network theory inspired approach. Specifically, the concepts of calculative spaces and their “otherness” to non-calculative spaces are used to analyse how accounting concepts were mobilised and the effects they had in the introduction of domestic water billing. The authors utilise publically available documents such as legislation, programmes for government, regulator publications, media reports and parliamentary records in the analysis over the period from 1983 to late 2014.

Findings

The analysis highlights how the implementation of domestic water billing involved the assembling of many divergent actors including the mobilisation of accounting concepts. Specifically the concept of “cost” became a contested entity. The government mobilised it in a conventional way to represent the resourcing of the water supply. Countering this, domestic water users associated “cost” with a direct impact on their own resources and lives. Thus, an entity usually associated with the economic realm was embroiled in political processes, with much of what they were supposed to represent becoming invisible. Thus the authors observed accounting concepts being mobilised to support the gaining of a specific political ends, the implementation of domestic billing, rather than as part of the means to implement a sustainable water supply within Ireland.

Research limitations/implications

This research has some limitations, one being the authors draw on secondary data. However, the research does provide a detailed base from which to continue to study a new water utility over time.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the complications that can occur when accounting concepts are associated with gaining of a political ends rather than as a means in the process of trying to achieve a sustainable water supply. Further, the process saw the creation of a new utility, which is a rare occurrence in the developed world, and a water utility even more so; this study demonstrates the role accounting concepts can have in this creation.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2006

Osama Hunaidi and Alex Wang

To introduce a new, low‐cost and easy‐to‐use leak detection system to help water utilities improve their effectiveness in locating leaks. The paper also presents an overview of…

1494

Abstract

Purpose

To introduce a new, low‐cost and easy‐to‐use leak detection system to help water utilities improve their effectiveness in locating leaks. The paper also presents an overview of leakage management strategies including acoustic and other leak detection techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The design approach was based on the use personal computers as a platform and enhanced signal processing algorithms. This eliminated the need for a major component of the usual hardware of leak pinpointing correlators which reduced the system's cost; made it easy to use, and improved the effectiveness of locating leaks in all types of pipes.

Findings

Effectiveness of the new leak detection system for pinpointing leaks was demonstrated using real world examples. The system has promising potential for all water utilities, including small and medium‐sized ones and utilities in developing countries.

Practical implications

The leak detection system presented in the paper will help all water utilities, including small and medium‐sized ones and utilities in developing countries, to save water by dramatically improving their effectiveness in locating leaks in all types of pipes.

Originality/value

The paper presents information about a new effective system for locating leaks in water distribution pipes. Effective leak detection tools are needed by water utilities worldwide.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2006

George A. Larbi

This article presents findings and conclusions from a study of the application of “new public management” type reforms in a low-income country context, Ghana. Using case study…

Abstract

This article presents findings and conclusions from a study of the application of “new public management” type reforms in a low-income country context, Ghana. Using case study data from the health and water sectors, including interviews and documentary analysis, it argues that reforms tend to put more emphasis on issues of what to implement and less on issues of how to implement. The evidence provided suggests that some progress has been made in downsizing, decentralizing, contracting-out, and performance contracting in the health and water sectors. In spite of this, the implementation of reforms has been patchy due to capacity constraints. Reforms are fragile and yet to be embedded

Details

International Journal of Organization Theory & Behavior, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1093-4537

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2006

Rania A. Abdel Khaleq and Benedykt Dziegielewski

The purpose of this paper is to present a proposal for formulating a national water demand management policy for Jordan. The objective is to stimulate discussion on the…

1873

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a proposal for formulating a national water demand management policy for Jordan. The objective is to stimulate discussion on the development and adoption of a formal policy document.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews data on water availability and use in Jordan. This is followed by a discussion of a number of policy objectives and elements.

Findings

The paper results in the formulation of a policy that should be further reviewed and made official by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation in Jordan.

Originality/value

The paper is a new source of information on the necessary elements of water policy.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2006

Philipp Magiera, Suzan Taha and Lothar Nolte

To provide an overview of current trends and developments in water demand management (WDM) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

2258

Abstract

Purpose

To provide an overview of current trends and developments in water demand management (WDM) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted based on a questionnaire, approaching members of the German Technical Cooperation network in the Mediterranean and the EMWIS internet platform. Survey results were compiled, analysed, and compared, tabular data was compiled and visualised.

Findings

Paper summarises main trends and issues related to water consumption, water pricing, water awareness, and water efficiency in the MENA, and derives changes compared to an earlier study. WDM efforts now focus more on drinking water supply than irrigation, the breadth of efforts has increased in the recent past.

Research limitations/implications

No information for Israel and Lebanon could be provided. It is recommended to repeat this kind of research in, i.e. five year intervals to be able to track the further development of WDM in this water scarce region.

Practical implications

Very useful primer for WDM in the region, summarising current trends, facts and figures. Deduces fields of action for policy makers, development agencies and NGOs active in WDM in the region.

Originality/value

Most recent overview on the topic available. Provides benchmarks for decision makers in the countries covered, encourages regional dialogue on best practices in WDM.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

1 – 10 of 309