A dynamic approach to analyze the evolution of water use efficiency across Spanish regions

We propose a dynamic approach to analyze water use efficiency across Spanish regions in the period 2001–2018. To measure efficiency, we implement several specifications of a slacks-based measure Data Envelopment Analysis (SBM-DEA) model considering different intertemporal aspects of the water cycle,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of environmental management Vol. 389; p. 126174
Main Authors Santos-Arteaga, Francisco Javier, Buendía, Asensio, André, Francisco J.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2025
Subjects
Dynamic Tobit
Recycling
Slacks-based measure data envelopment analysis
Spain
Wastewater
Wastewater treatment
Water Purification
Water recycling
Water Supply
Water use efficiency
Spain
Water recycling
Dynamic Tobit
Water use efficiency
Wastewater treatment
Slacks-based measure data envelopment analysis
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Summary:We propose a dynamic approach to analyze water use efficiency across Spanish regions in the period 2001–2018. To measure efficiency, we implement several specifications of a slacks-based measure Data Envelopment Analysis (SBM-DEA) model considering different intertemporal aspects of the water cycle, ranging from depletion to wastewater treatment and recycling. Accounting for the last two components makes a crucial difference when determining the efficiency of regions. A dynamic Tobit model is applied to identify the main driving forces behind the observed trends in efficiency. We find a very strong autoregressive component, suggesting an important structural dimension. Efficiency is also positively related to competitiveness, while economic growth can have a positive effect though limited to the short run. The main managerial and policy implications for a country subject to strict water consumption limits and depending on wastewater treatment and recycling are analyzed. •Dynamic approach to analyze water use efficiency in Spanish regions (2001–2018).•We apply an SBM-DEA model that considers the entire water cycle, including recycling.•Efficiency is determined by depletion, wastewater treatment, and recycling features.•A dynamic Tobit model is used to identify driving forces behind efficiency trends.•Efficiency is linked to competitiveness while economic growth has a positive effect.
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ISSN:0301-4797
1095-8630
1095-8630
DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126174