The Danish model for sustainable water solutions
Holistic management
Over the past decade, considerable investments have been made to increase the efficiency of the water utilities, sewerage systems and wastewater treatment plants. The establishment of effective and reliable organizational structures to operate and maintain the plants and conduit systems has endowed Denmark with a good international reputation as regards environmental standards and improvements.
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Environmental authorities
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for drawing up and implementing environmental legislation, regulations and action plans at the national level. In addition the agency is responsible for keeping Parliament well informed about the state of the Danish environment.
The Counties are responsible for the water resource size and quality.
Construction, operation and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities are the responsibility of the Municipalities, and are 100% financed by the consumers.
The client: Supervising private contractor performance
The Danish water utilities frequently invite tenders for construction and renovation projects. In order to ensure project success, the water utilities need to have a high professional standard and extensive knowledge of contract preparation, project management and project followup.
The Municipalities are responsible for planning and operation of the local water utilities, wastewater treatment plants and sewerage systems. Moreover, they stipulate the regulations governing connection to the sewerage system and wastewater disposal charges.
Water utility management
The overall objective of the Danish water utilities is the provision of a fully reliable, environmentally sound water supply at competitive prices.
New forms of water utility organization and ownership have developed in recent years, and the knowhow and experience gained are now available to clients abroad.
The implementation of projects
In Denmark the roles of the private and public sectors are very well defined. Building and construction projects within the water sector are implemented by Danish private sector consultancy firms and construction companies.