Chapter
A New Approach to Assess Performance IndicatorsÂ’ Data Quality
Book
Pumps, Electromechanical Devices and Systems Applied to Urban Water Management
Author(s)
Herrero M., Enrique Cabrera Rochera, Valero F.J.
Pages in which appears this chapter
69-79
ISBN
90-5809-574-6
Publish year
2003
Abstract
A performance indicator (PI) is a combination or a ratio of several data items reflecting a particular aspect of the water undertaking, that can be used for management purposes. The quality of the information provided by PIs can be expressed in terms of reliability and accuracy, according to the methodology proposed by the International Water Association (IWA). Until now, in the IWA system, PI confidence grading has been carried out using the lowest common denominator of the confidences of variables. A new approach is proposed using the law of propagation of uncertainty, so variable influence within the PI processing rule is considered, as well as its magnitude. Uncertainty values for each reliability and accuracy band are proposed in order to support mathematical treatment and numerical programming. Results of a case study are compared with the current approach to determine the real advantage of the method.