In 1997, SDS/ENV begun to explore the issues involved in the economic analysis of projects whose principal objective is the improvement of ambient water quality (e.g. sewage treatment plants). The ultimate objective is to produce a report in 1998 that provides some guidance on what consitutes a minimally acceptable economic analysis under varying levels of information. Professor Clifford S. Russell of Vanderbilt University has been contracted to help us.

If you have some pertinent material or need additional information send an e-mail to diegor@iadb.org

Investing in Water Quality: Measuring Benefits, Costs and Risks. Written by Clifford S. Russell, William J. Vaughan, Christopher D. Clark, Diego J. Rodriguez and Arthur Darling, this book, recently published by the Inter-American Development Bank, explores the methods and analytical tools available for making better investment decisions when our knowledge of the costs and benefits of water quality improvement is imprecise and the future is uncertain. The study demonstrates how water quality and economic analysis models can be integrated to measure the net benefits of improvement in ambient water quality, quantify the degree of project risk introduced by imperfect knowledge, and reach informed investment decisions that reflect local preferences. This is a guide for anyone working to reduce urban water pollution in developing countries. The 345-page book is available for US$29.95 from IDB Bookstore, 1300 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20577, USA. E-mail: idb-books@iadb.org. Home Page: http://www.iadb.org/pub.

Last updated: 01/16/07