EBC

The European Benchmarking Co-operation (EBC) is a not-for-profit benchmarking initiative, covering drinking water and wastewater services.

Supported by

Mission of the co-operation is to facilitate water utilities in the continuous process of improving performance and transparency by:

• offering an international benchmarking programme for water services;
• providing a platform for exchanging best practices of management and operations;
• exchanging knowledge and experiences on benchmarking.

Benchmarking is a structured, continuous process to assess performance and identify and adapt best practices. To assess water utility performance, the EBC-partners have developed a benchmarking model for water- and wastewater activities, suitable for larger as well as for smaller utilities. The model is based on the Performance Indicator system of the International Water Association (IWA). It not just focuses on costs, but on all key performance areas: water quality, reliability, service, sustainability, finance & efficiency.

Since 2007, three benchmarking exercises have been organised with a growing number of participants from Europe and beyond.

The next benchmarking project, with data of 2009, will run from mid April to November 2010.

The International Water Association (IWA) fully supports EBC’s benchmarking programme.