Methodology to quantify costs of distribution of drinking water in rural zones

Abstract

The objective of this research is to design a methodology to quantify distributionservicescosts ofwater in rural areas. The research carried out was of exploratory and descriptive character nature, and encompassed seventeen rural locations of Hualqui commune, Bío-Bío Region, Chile. It was mainly analyzed serial publication related to drinking water supply policies in rural zones, vehicle routing methodologies and freight transport practices.As a result, a two stages methodology was designed, the first onethat identifies input information, and the second the fixed, variable, and total costs.The main conclusions point out the feasibility of cost determination ordrinking waterdistribution in rural locations through tanker trucks and achieve greater efficiency in the management of public resources.