Frontier efficiency methods have been recurrently used in the water sector to assess the performance of water utilities. These methods are also used for yardstick regulation, with greater efficiency being sought by creating competition between the utilities, which can have an impact on decision-making processes, such as tariff setting. This study analyzes the adequacy and limitations of these methods for regulatory purposes, particularly how they deal with data uncertainty and their capacity to manage large number of variables. In order to achieve this, two representative methods—a nonparametric technique (data envelopment analysis) and an econometric one (stochastic frontier analysis)—are applied to an audited sample of 194 water utilities. Results will show that the results from the methods may not be considered conclusive in the water sector and their application should be carried out with considerable reservations.

Defining complementary tools to the IVI. The Infrastructure Degradation Index (IDI) and the Infrastructure Histogram (HI) The Infrastructure Value Index (IVI) is quickly becoming a standard as a valuable tool to quickly assess the state of urban water infrastructure. However, its simple nature (as a single metric) can mask some valuable information and lead to erroneous conclusions. This paper introduces two complementary tools to IVI: The Infrastructure Degradation Index (IDI) and the Infrastructure Histogram (HI). The IDI is focused on time (compared to the IVI, focused on value), represents an intuitive concept and behaves in a linear way. The joint analysis of IVI and IDI provides results in a more complete understanding of the state of the assets, while maintaining the simplicity of the tools. The Infrastructure Histogram allows for a full evaluation of the infrastructure state and provides a detailed picture of network age compared to its expected life, as well as an order of magnitude of the required investments in the following years.

The scientific community is one where objectivity is expected to be achieved by the scientific method. Peer review, through discussion and debate within journals and conferences, assists in this objectivity by maintaining the innovation, quality of research methodology and interpretation of results. Members of the scientific community critically review research evidence and expect high quality research material with a significant scientific value. Contents addressed to the scientific community consist of detailed explanatory documents of research procedures, reviews of the state of the art and results. Universities, research institutions, technology providers, consultants and professional association members fit into this target group. Dissemination of research findings throughout the scientific community and their involvement in the TRUST research project requires considering a complex strategy beyond traditional scientific publication. Building a collaborative environment to serve as a meeting point for debate and critical assessment of deliverables-not just inside TRUST partners, but in an open debate in the scientific community as well-is crucial for TRUST research embracement.

Esta obra es fruto de la traducción al español del libro de Indicadores de desempeño para servicios de abastecimiento de agua de la International Water Association.Se trata del segundo libro de una serie de tres traducciones de manuales de buenas prácticas de la IWA que están viendo la luz gracias al compromiso del grupo Global Omnium con la mejora de la gestión de los servicios urbanos de agua. El manual que tiene ante sí es ya todo un clásico que fue actualizado hace apenas un año y medio en su versión inglesa. Se trata sin duda de la referencia en todo el mundo para desarrollar sistemas de evaluación del desempeño con el uso de indicadores, hasta el punto que resulta prácticamente imposible encontrar un artículo o trabajo sobre este asunto que no referencie esta obra. Por ello, debe tomarse como un punto de partida más que uno de llegada. El manual proporcionará los fundamentos de la evaluación del desempeño y las claves para acometer la misma con éxito en un servicio de abastecimiento de agua. Para los más experimentados, este manual siempre será una obra de referencia a la que volver cuando surjan dudas.

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