Abstract
This paper presents the basic principles for the integration of the water and carbon footprints cost into the resource and environmental costs respectively, taking the suggestions set by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60/EC one step forward. WFD states that full water cost recovery (FWCR) should be based on the estimation of the three sub-costs related: direct; environmental; and resource cost. It also strongly suggests the EU Member States develop and apply effective water pricing policies to achieve FWCR. These policies must be socially just to avoid any social injustice phenomena. This is a very delicate task to handle, especially within the fragile economic conditions that the EU is facing today. Water losses play a crucial role for the FWC estimation. Water losses should not be neglected since they are one of the major “water uses” in any water supply network. A methodology is suggested to reduce water losses and the related Non Revenue Water (NRW) index. An Expert Decision Support System is proposed to assess the FWC incorporating the Water and Carbon Footprint costs.
Highlights
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60/Environmental Cost (EC) is a very important piece of EU legislation for freshwater protection in Europe [1]
WFD 2000/60/EC requires that all EU member states must develop and apply effective water pricing policies that will guarantee the recovery of the full water cost (FWCR) [1]
WFD basic principle states that the environmental damage is equal to the cost required to restore the environment to its original condition, based on the assumption that the lowest value of an environmental good is equal to the necessary costs for its protection
Summary
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60/EC is a very important piece of EU legislation for freshwater protection in Europe [1]. RC is directly related to different energy consuming processes (e.g., water losses in networks; revenue losses due to misallocating water to alternative uses [3]). LCA is a methodological tool that applies the life cycle concept on environmental analysis of activities related to the product processes (goods/services). The drinking water supply chain is a complex process where in its full life cycle many stakeholders are involved Their involvement leads to various energy consuming processes. Assuming that a water utility is an “industry” and a water supply chain is a “process/product”, the most appropriate methodology to determine the water network CF is the LCA It is the cornerstone on new thematic policies and strategies such as the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources [10]. This can lead to high values of CF and WF
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