The cost of hybrid waste water systems: A systematic framework for specifying minimum cost-connection rates

Sven Eggimann*, Bernhard Truffer, Max Maurer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

To determine the optimal connection rate (CR) for regional waste water treatment is a challenge that has recently gained the attention of academia and professional circles throughout the world. We contribute to this debate by proposing a framework for a total cost assessment of sanitation infrastructures in a given region for the whole range of possible CRs. The total costs comprise the treatment and transportation costs of centralised and on-site waste water management systems relative to specific CRs. We can then identify optimal CRs that either deliver waste water services at the lowest overall regional cost, or alternatively, CRs that result from households freely choosing whether they want to connect or not. We apply the framework to a Swiss region, derive a typology for regional cost curves and discuss whether and by how much the empirically observed CRs differ from the two optimal ones. Both optimal CRs may be reached by introducing specific regulatory incentive structures.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)472-484
Number of pages13
JournalWater Research
Volume103
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Oct 2016
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

  • Decentralised waste water management
  • Engineering economics
  • Geographical information system
  • Sustainability transition
  • Urban structural unit
  • Urban water management

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