Disclosing water security by water utilities

Abstract

Using a scoring technique, we have developed a Water Security Reporting Index (WSRI) to assess the disclosed information pertaining to the preparedness for extreme water events among 15 Brazilian water utilities. This evaluation is based on the analysis of annual reports from water and sanitation companies. The WSRI incorporates seven dimensions: (i) Climate changes and their impacts on water availability; (ii) Water availability evaluation and measurement; (iii) Improvements in supply infrastructure systems; (iv) Demand-side infrastructure improvements; (v) User awareness creation; (vi) Water availability prediction; and (vii) Actions to prevent water availability issues. The findings reveal a paradoxical scenario where the WSRI falls significantly below the maximum score. Simultaneously, the growing concerns about the impacts of global change, leading to an increase in the frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events, highlight a pressing issue in Brazil. Neglecting this concern implies disregarding the impending scarcity of water, the primary focus of water utilities. User awareness creation emerges as the dimension with the highest score. Conversely, water availability evaluation and prediction, along with demand-side infrastructure improvements, receive the least attention from water utility managers in terms of water security. This study underscores the disparity between the clear understanding that water supply companies possess regarding the impacts of climate change on the water industry and their failure to effectively communicate the actions they have adopted and planned.