Quo vadis efficiency analysis of water distribution? A comparative literature review

Matthias Walter (), Astrid Cullmann, Christian von Hirschhausen, Robert Wand and Michael Zschille

Utilities Policy, 2009, vol. 17, issue 3-4, 225-232

Abstract: Recognizing the growing importance of scientific benchmarking in water distribution, we provide a comprehensive survey of the available literature. We begin with a discussion about the (limited) use of benchmarking in the regulation of UK water utilities, and then extend the analysis to regulated water sectors in other countries. We find no clear impact of public or private ownership; instead, the institutional settings appear to be a dominant driver of efficiency. Quality and structural variables are significant parameters; and water losses and population density are also important drivers. Analysis reveals that economies of scale only exist in fragmented water industries, whereas economies of density are omnipresent. We find evidence suggesting important economies of scope (e.g. between water and sewerage). Finally, we summarize the tensions that exist in attempting to measure efficiency in the water industry and draw conclusions about how to improve efficiency analysis in the future.

Keywords: Water; distribution; Efficiency; analysis; Literature; review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (56)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:juipol:v:17:y:2009:i:3-4:p:225-232

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