Introduction:

The demand for freshwater is increasing around the globe due to population growth and urbanization, exacerbating pressure on available water resources. Consequently, understanding the factors influencing the price per cubic meter of water at a public Ecuadorian university operating in US dollars is crucial for sustainable resource management.

Aim:

To estimate water cost at the Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE. Although the university has relevant data, such as maintenance, operation, energy, and water analysis costs.

Results:

This research focused on identifying the various elements contributing to the cost of water, including expenses associated with maintenance ($14,201.60 annually), water quality measurements ($250.00 annually), human resources ($980.00 monthly), chemical inputs ($8.00 monthly), electricity consumption ($464.38), operational and maintenance costs ($30.00 monthly), and the implementation of an ultraviolet (UV) system at the wastewater treatment plant ($186.05 per year). The study concluded that the cost per cubic meter of water at the university was 1.07 USD.

Plain Language Summary

Understanding the Real Cost of Water Use at a Public University in Ecuador

Why was the study done? The study was conducted to understand the real economic cost of water at the Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, a public university in Ecuador operating within a dollarized economy. Although water is a critical resource for university operations, its true cost is often underestimated because expenses are spread across maintenance, energy use, personnel, water quality control, and wastewater treatment. In addition, the study provides a transparent and replicable cost assessment framework that can be used by other universities and public institutions in Ecuador and the region to evaluate their own water systems and improve economic and environmental sustainability.

What did the researchers find? Their analysis showed that water management costs include annual maintenance activities, regular water quality monitoring, monthly personnel expenses, chemical inputs, electricity consumption, routine operation and maintenance costs, and the use of an ultraviolet disinfection system at the wastewater treatment plant. When all these components were considered together, the total cost of water at the university was estimated to be USD 1.07 per cubic meter. These findings reveal that water provision in a university setting involves high hidden costs and that comprehensive cost accounting is essential for improving efficiency, planning investments, and ensuring long-term sustainability of water services in public institutions.

What do the findings mean? The findings mean that providing water in a public university involves high and often underestimated costs that go well beyond water extraction. At the Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, water costs are driven by infrastructure maintenance, energy use, staff, water quality control, and wastewater treatment, all of which must be considered to understand the true economic value of the resource. By identifying a real cost of USD 1.07 per cubic meter, the study highlights the importance of full-cost accounting for water management in higher education institutions. These results can inform budgeting, tariff design, and investment decisions, helping universities improve efficiency, reduce shrinkage, and plan sustainable water use strategies. More broadly, the findings provide a practical benchmark for other public institutions in Ecuador and the region, supporting evidence-based policies aimed at economic efficiency, environmental sustainability, and responsible water governance.