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Evaluating the Efficiency of Water Distribution Network Sectors Using the DEA-Weight Russell Directional Distance Model: The Case of the City of Valencia (Spain)

Author

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  • José Antonio Palomero-González

    (Grupo Global Omnium, Instituto Interuniversitario de Desarrollo Local, Universitat de València, 46022 València, Spain)

  • Vicent Almenar-Llongo

    (Department of Economics, Catholic University of Valencia, 46003 València, Spain)

  • Ramón Fuentes-Pascual

    (Departamento de Análisis Económico Aplicado, Universidad de Alicante, 03080 Alicante, Spain)

Abstract

In many cities, sectorization projects of the drinking water distribution network have been implemented. This study provides a methodology to evaluate the efficiency of the sectors of a water distribution network by applying a data envelopment analysis weighted Russell directional distance (DEA-WRDD) model. This non-radial DEA model gives the overall efficiency of each unit of analysis, as well as each input, output, and undesirable output considered in the evaluation. The variables used in the analysis provide a multidisciplinary view: economic factors (covering costs), water quality parameters, and technical aspects. The empirical analysis was performed for the sectors of the water distribution network of the city of Valencia (Spain) for the year 2016. In this particular case, the results showed that approximately half of the sectors were efficient. The efficiency values of each variable indicate that the main challenges (faced by the water distribution company) were the optimization of maintenance costs and the reduction of leaks, both of which have an impact on the quality of the distributed water. So, the purpose of this article is to highlight the usefulness of efficiency analysis to help the decision making of managers of sectorized water distribution networks so that they can optimize the management.

Suggested Citation

  • José Antonio Palomero-González & Vicent Almenar-Llongo & Ramón Fuentes-Pascual, 2021. "Evaluating the Efficiency of Water Distribution Network Sectors Using the DEA-Weight Russell Directional Distance Model: The Case of the City of Valencia (Spain)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-21, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:19:p:10546-:d:641291
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