Quantifying the Benefits of Water Quality Catchment (Watershed) Management Initiatives

This research presents a framework and supporting toolkit for assessing the benefits of catchment (watershed) management schemes. Specifically it develops an approach for quantifying the benefits; provides structured, step-by-step guidance on undertaking a benefit assessment; offers practical advice and guidance on assessing effectiveness and monetizing resulting benefits; indexes further guidance, resources, and tools; and discusses how the results of the benefit assessment may be used in a cost-effectiveness or cost-benefit analysis. The framework may be used to undertake a qualitative, quantitative, or monetary assessment of the benefits (or negative dis-benefits) resulting from a specific management intervention; and to judge whether a scheme is economically viable or to decide where to invest in catchment management. This set of four volumes includes the Benefit Assessment Framework, an Overview Report (below under Executive Summary), a Review of the Effectiveness of Catchment Management Initiatives, and Case Studies that demonstrate use of the Benefit Assessment Framework. The project was led by UK Water Industry Research and partners include Ofwat, Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Drinking Water Inspectorate, Environment Agency, Natural England, and Scottish Environment Protection Agency.