Framework for performance assessment of storm water systems

Abstract

The integration of performance assessment may be determinant for water utilities and municipalities to improve their management practices regarding storm water systems (SWS). The use of performance assessment in the SW sector has been incipient, and the need to develop a performance assessment framework (PAF) that constitutes a reference for SWS was identified. The article aims to present a PAF, structured into eight objectives, 25 assessment criteria, and 80 performance metrics, namely performance indicators (PI), focusing on the assessment of SWS functioning, considering different performance dimensions and types of SWS. The PAF aims to promote the establishment of performance assessment systems in utilities, supporting the decision-making process and continuous improvement. The PAF was consolidated by incorporating the views and recommendations of two Portuguese water utilities during the validation process. Data collection process constitutes a barrier to the PAF application given the lack of financial and human resources in water utilities.