Overview
ISO 24523:2017 - "Service activities relating to drinking water supply systems and wastewater systems - Guidelines for benchmarking of water utilities" provides internationally accepted guidance for conducting benchmarking in the water sector. The standard describes a basic framework and methods for voluntary benchmarking of drinking water and wastewater utilities of any size, managed by public or private entities. It is designed to help utilities compare performance, identify best practices and drive performance improvement without favouring any ownership or operating model.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Benchmarking framework and work steps: systematic process for identifying, understanding and adopting successful practices from benchmarking partners; typically implemented as a continuous or recurrent process.
- Performance indicators (PIs): definitions, aggregation levels, and requirements for reliable PI systems; emphasis on clear data variables and commensurate measurement (e.g., $/m3, %).
- Context information and explanatory factors: documenting external (demographics, climate, topography) and long-term managerial factors (infrastructure age) to explain performance differences.
- Clustering and peer-grouping: grouping utilities by size, delivered volume or other criteria to create homogeneous peer sets and meaningful benchmarks.
- Confidentiality, data management and project organization: guidance on handling sensitive data, project management, personnel requirements and ensuring trust among benchmarking partners.
- Interpretation and application of results: rules for using benchmarks, deriving improvement potential, and communicating results responsibly to stakeholders.
- Informative annexes: checklist for cooperation/confidentiality and examples of voluntary benchmarking projects.
Practical applications and who uses it
ISO 24523 is intended for:
- Water utility managers and operational teams seeking systematic performance assessment and improvement.
- Benchmarking program organizers and industry associations running voluntary benchmarking platforms.
- Consultants and auditors advising on efficiency, reliability, customer service and sustainability measures.
- Policy makers and regulators who want transparent industry-wide comparisons (while noting the standard does not set mandatory targets).
- Researchers and academics analyzing sector performance.
Typical applications:
- Establishing comparable performance indicators and data models for operations, costs and energy use.
- Identifying best-practice peers, quantifying improvement potential and prioritizing investments.
- Supporting stakeholder communication and improving transparency while protecting confidential information.
Related standards
- ISO 24510, ISO 24511 and ISO 24512 - complementary guidance on service assessment, improvement and management for drinking water and wastewater utilities.
- Prepared by ISO/TC 224, which focuses on quality criteria and performance indicators for water services.
Keywords: ISO 24523:2017, benchmarking, water utilities, performance indicators, drinking water, wastewater, benchmarking guidelines, utility benchmarking.
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