On the Path of Sustainability in Wastewater Treatment: The Golden Mean Applied to Regional Context

An important part of the environmental degradation is caused by the discharge of untreated or mistreated wastewater. Since centralized treatment systems have proved to be inefficient, tackling the environmental issues requires a regional approach. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) mitigate environmental impacts and contribute to financial savings of other firms. However, the literature evaluating WWTPs’ financial performance and economic sustainability does not abound. Thus, this paper analyses the economic sustainability of wastewater treatment companies in Portugal by NUTS II regions, in 2016-2019. Using firms’ financial reports from SABI, results show that, by and large, firms in the Centre region display higher financial performances when compared to other regions. These results can be used to investigate whether firms in the central region are implementing the best practices regarding management and technology. Results can also foster enhancements in the governance of regulated utilities.