Economic Valuation of Wastewater: The cost of action and the cost of no action

摘要: This book presents the results of an analytical study on economic valuation for wastewater, comparing cost no action versus effective wastewater management. One Millennium Development Goals adopted by United Nations was to reduce half proportion people without access safe drinking water and improved sanitation 2015. Further, at Rio+20 Summit in June 2012, governments recognized need adopt measures significantly pollution, increase quality improve treatment which is now reflected Sustainable Goals. To achieve these objectives, substantial investment including septage sewage management required, particular developing countries. A financial analysis looks its private costs benefits can underpin decision making from a business or plant operator standpoint. Economic broader society, providing information public policy decisions support improvements Adequate collection, treatment, use disposal lead significant environmental health benefits. However, because some do not have market price, they traditionally been considered projects, therefore underestimating total The or, other words, necessary justify suitable investments be categorized into three groups: adverse human effects associated with reduced bathing/recreational water; negative due degradation bodies ecosystems where untreated inadequately treated discharged; potential those activities that polluted crop production, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism. Several methodologies allow comparison between estimated (benefits lost) provide essential decision-making processes. reviews methods shows application empirical examples. Results cases show implementing programmes countries often feasible point view if are integrated overall assessment. Next set studies, hypothetical example used illustrate possible procedure assessing feasibility (cost inaction) two extensive technologies - pond systems constructed wetlands treating over 25 years small settlements areas. Both characterized relatively low investment, operational maintenance compared conventional processes like activated sludge systems. While vary depending approaches used, calculated confirmed either will economically higher value than costs. selection best practices/strategies requires consideration multiple objectives criteria (e.g. financial, environmental, technical social) their complex interactions. Moreover, reliable demands identifying both strong weak points different strategies; uncertainty/risk should part evaluation analyze how it affects making. complexity development rigorous systematic multi-criteria analysis. With such tool, policymakers evaluate compare alternatives approach appropriately.