Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the issue of demand-side information in water utility operations and planning. It focuses on the provision of reliable treatment in water and sanitation projects from a risk management perspective. The book also examines how strategic management, daily operational management and sustainability can be balanced within water utilities that are operating in a commercially oriented environment. It also examines alternative private-sector participation contracts in the water sector, and analyses whether high transaction costs involved in contract setting increase the risk of opportunistic behaviour by the contract parties. The book describes the work in South Africa of Umgeni Water as the implementing agent for water projects in rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. It explores the potential for a professional association to create a water aid charity in conjunction with a non-governmental organisation, in this case the American Red Cross.