Risk analysis strategies in the water utility sector: an inventory ofapplications for better and more credible decision-making

Financial pressures, regulatory reform, and sectoral restructuring are requiringwater utilities to move from technically inclined, risk-averse managementapproaches toward more commercial, business-oriented practices. Risk analysisstrategies and techniques traditionally applied to public health protection arenow seeing broader application for asset management, assessing competitionrisks, and potential threats to the security of supplies. Water utility managershave to consider these risks alongside one another, employ a range oftechniques, and devise business plans that prioritize resources on the basis ofrisk. We present a comprehensive review of risk analysis and managementstrategies for application in the water utility sector at the strategic,program, and operational levels of decision making.