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Operating in the shadowland: Why water utilities fail to manage decaying infrastructure

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  • Bennich, Amelie
  • Engwall, Mats
  • Nilsson, David

Abstract

Decaying water infrastructure is a growing challenge in high-income countries while at the same time being under pressure from other socioeconomic and environmental issues. This paper analyses why addressing these challenges is so challenging, despite the critical role of water service for society. The paper is based on a study of the Swedish water sector and reveals how the utilities are influenced by several factors that constrain their agency. Most importantly, the utilities operate in a ‘societal shadowland’ where the public and politicians take their services for granted, lowering the sense of urgency and impeding their ability to take action.

Suggested Citation

  • Bennich, Amelie & Engwall, Mats & Nilsson, David, 2023. "Operating in the shadowland: Why water utilities fail to manage decaying infrastructure," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:82:y:2023:i:c:s0957178723000693
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2023.101557
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    3. Blomkvist, Pär & Karpouzoglou, Timos & Nilsson, David & Wallin, Jörgen, 2023. "Entrepreneurship and alignment work in the Swedish water and sanitation sector," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    4. Okwori, E. & Viklander, M. & Hedström, A., 2024. "Data integration in asset management of municipal pipe networks in Sweden: Challenges, gaps, and potential drivers," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).

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