Exploring the Determinants of Operational Performance in the Water Supply Sector: A PCA Analysis of Networks, Meters, Raw Water and Operating Costs

The water sector is essential for sustainable development, but faces complex challenges arising from climate change, accelerated urbanization, and increasingly stringent economic and environmental demands. This study examines the determinants of operational performance in the water sector, using...

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Main Authors: Octavia Moise, George Banghiore, Mari-Isabella Stan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Ovidius University Press 2025-02-01
Series:Ovidius University Annals: Economic Sciences Series
Subjects:
Online Access:https://stec.univ-ovidius.ro/html/anale/RO/2024i2/Section%201%20and%202/9.pdf
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author Octavia Moise
George Banghiore
Mari-Isabella Stan
author_facet Octavia Moise
George Banghiore
Mari-Isabella Stan
author_sort Octavia Moise
collection DOAJ
description The water sector is essential for sustainable development, but faces complex challenges arising from climate change, accelerated urbanization, and increasingly stringent economic and environmental demands. This study examines the determinants of operational performance in the water sector, using principal component analysis (PCA) to analyze key variables such as distribution networks, meter usage, raw water characteristics, and operational costs. Results highlight that infrastructure modernization, implementation of digital technologies, and use of circular economy principles are essential for sustainability. The analysis also underscores the link between infrastructure investments and water loss reduction, cost optimization, and service improvement. Temporal evolution reflects a transition from major operational difficulties to improved performance, thanks to effective investment strategies. The conclusions provide valuable insights for strategic decision-making and recommend integrated approaches that ensure the balance between economic sustainability, technological efficiency, and social responsibility, thereby contributing to the management of water resources for the benefit of future generations.
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issn 2393-3127
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publisher Ovidius University Press
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series Ovidius University Annals: Economic Sciences Series
spelling doaj-art-112eeecaffb04c50b404011a72b88d1c2025-08-20T01:47:28ZengOvidius University PressOvidius University Annals: Economic Sciences Series2393-31272025-02-01XXIV25564Exploring the Determinants of Operational Performance in the Water Supply Sector: A PCA Analysis of Networks, Meters, Raw Water and Operating CostsOctavia Moise0George Banghiore1Mari-Isabella Stan2Romanian Academy, School of Advanced Studies of the Romanian Academy, Doctoral of Economic Sciences, "Costin C. Kirițescu" National Institute for Economic Research, Institute of National Economy, RomaniaRomanian Academy, School of Advanced Studies of the Romanian Academy, Doctoral of Economic Sciences, "Costin C. Kirițescu" National Institute for Economic Research, Institute of National Economy, Romania„Ovidius” University of Constanta, Faculty of Law and Administrative Sciences, RomaniaThe water sector is essential for sustainable development, but faces complex challenges arising from climate change, accelerated urbanization, and increasingly stringent economic and environmental demands. This study examines the determinants of operational performance in the water sector, using principal component analysis (PCA) to analyze key variables such as distribution networks, meter usage, raw water characteristics, and operational costs. Results highlight that infrastructure modernization, implementation of digital technologies, and use of circular economy principles are essential for sustainability. The analysis also underscores the link between infrastructure investments and water loss reduction, cost optimization, and service improvement. Temporal evolution reflects a transition from major operational difficulties to improved performance, thanks to effective investment strategies. The conclusions provide valuable insights for strategic decision-making and recommend integrated approaches that ensure the balance between economic sustainability, technological efficiency, and social responsibility, thereby contributing to the management of water resources for the benefit of future generations. https://stec.univ-ovidius.ro/html/anale/RO/2024i2/Section%201%20and%202/9.pdfprincipal component analysis (pca)wastewater managementperformance of water operators
spellingShingle Octavia Moise
George Banghiore
Mari-Isabella Stan
Exploring the Determinants of Operational Performance in the Water Supply Sector: A PCA Analysis of Networks, Meters, Raw Water and Operating Costs
Ovidius University Annals: Economic Sciences Series
principal component analysis (pca)
wastewater management
performance of water operators
title Exploring the Determinants of Operational Performance in the Water Supply Sector: A PCA Analysis of Networks, Meters, Raw Water and Operating Costs
title_full Exploring the Determinants of Operational Performance in the Water Supply Sector: A PCA Analysis of Networks, Meters, Raw Water and Operating Costs
title_fullStr Exploring the Determinants of Operational Performance in the Water Supply Sector: A PCA Analysis of Networks, Meters, Raw Water and Operating Costs
title_full_unstemmed Exploring the Determinants of Operational Performance in the Water Supply Sector: A PCA Analysis of Networks, Meters, Raw Water and Operating Costs
title_short Exploring the Determinants of Operational Performance in the Water Supply Sector: A PCA Analysis of Networks, Meters, Raw Water and Operating Costs
title_sort exploring the determinants of operational performance in the water supply sector a pca analysis of networks meters raw water and operating costs
topic principal component analysis (pca)
wastewater management
performance of water operators
url https://stec.univ-ovidius.ro/html/anale/RO/2024i2/Section%201%20and%202/9.pdf
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