Journal of Korea Water Resources Association ISSN:2799-8746(Print) 2799-8754(Online) 한국수자원학회 논문집

This study aims to analyze the differences in performance according to various operation methods (direct management, public consignment, and private agency) of public sewage treatment facilities and derive the most efficient and high level of sewage treatment services to the public based on the research results. To this end, economic performance indicators (sewage treatment cost, sewerage rate) and social performance indicators (water quality, number of civil complaints) were selected, and cross-sectional analysis and longitudinal analysis were used to verify the difference between the averages of three or more groups through one-way ANOVA. As a result of the analysis, cross-sectional analysis, there was no difference in economic performance dimension according to the operating method, but in terms of social performance dimension, it was found that there was a difference according to the operating method. In the case of water quality indicators, the results were superior to those directly managed by public consignment and private agencies in the number of civil complaints. In the longitudinal analysis examining the improvement of performance indicators, there was no significant difference by operation method in most performance indicators. In order to improve the efficiency of public services and improve the service level, various approaches suitable for the characteristics of each service are required in addition to the logic of public consignment or introduction of private agency. In the future, when local governments promote public consignment or private agency, it is necessary to understand and promote the nature of the service, the specificity of each local government, and the needs of service users.