Publication: Is the UWWTD Implementation Delivering Results for the People, the Economy, and the Environment of the Danube Region?: A Wastewater Management Assessment Based on the World Bank's Engagement
Date
2018-12
ISSN
Published
2018-12
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
This review of wastewater management in
Danube region under EU water policies shows that, despite
several challenges, the UWWTD has indeed delivered results
for the people and environment in Danube region. The share
of wastewater treated according to the UWWTD requirements is
showing a major improvement since 2004, demonstrating impact
of massive investment efforts undertaken, and resulting in
significant emission reduction in the recent past. This has
resulted in a noticeable water quality improvement over the
last 20 years for both organic pollutants and nutrients. At
the same time, the review points out to several challenges.
Implementation capacity is often neglected and
insufficiently prepared. The necessary tariff increases, a
consequence of investment in new infrastructure and related
O&M cost increases, trigger affordability issues for
the bottom 40 percent of population. A lack of the necessary
sectoral institutional reforms, has resulted in lower than
planned absorption of available funds and delays in UWWTD
compliance. These challenges also represent opportunities in
the implementation of the current Directive within and
beyond the Member States, and its potential review. The
current implementation of the Directive could be made more
efficient using sound economic appraisal to prioritize
investments according to their cost-effectiveness while
maintaining public health and environmental benefits and
achievement of WFD objectives.
Link to Data Set
Citation
“World Bank. 2018. Is the UWWTD Implementation Delivering Results for the People, the Economy, and the Environment of the Danube Region?: A Wastewater Management Assessment Based on the World Bank's Engagement. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/31050 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”