Source catchments as water quality treatment assets

Abstract

The Catchment Management Investment Standard has been prepared to assist water utilities make the case for catchment management as a water quality treatment asset. Operating in an economically regulated environment where consumer affordability is paramount and where the regulator puts the burden of proof on the water provider to illustrate successful mitigation of water quality risk, there are two critical challenges: How can a sound business case be made for investment in catchment management as a water quality ‘treatment’ option, using best practice approaches in triple bottom line cost benefit evaluation? How can it be demonstrated, in the geographic context of the catchment under consideration, that mitigation measures can be successfully implemented and water quality improvement achieved? The Catchment Management Investment Standard was developed in close collaboration with the Water Research Foundation and water utilities from both Australia and the United States to enable stronger business cases for catchment management as a viable alternative to more capital intensive (traditional) investments.&nbsp