The first applications of benchmarking to the water and sanitation sector date back to the 1990s. Since then water utility benchmarking has been used at local, national and international scales. The main application of benchmarking in the sector is through voluntary benchmarking where performance is benchmarked within the water utility (over time, between similar units), with other water utilities (nationally or regionally) and with other utilities (e.g. power, telecoms, etc.). The use of benchmarking by regulators is yet limited, although an increasing number of regulators is assessing utility performance indicators and promote performance improvement, encouraging competition and providing incentives.
The aim of this course is to provide an overview of theory and experience in the benchmarking of water and sanitation services for the purpose of improving performance. The course draws on applied research by academics and on benchmarking practices worldwide.
The course is tailored to Junior and mid-career professionals from water and sanitation utilities, regulatory agencies, government departments and NGOs; postgraduate students.
