Book excerpt: Handbook of Project Finance for Water and Wastewater Systems provides an easy-to-read guide for gaining an understanding of the myriad options available for financing water and wastewater projects and how to evaluate which options are most appropriate. This crucial reference delineates a basic system for comparing the actual costs of various programs. The book describes the seven major factors that can dramatically affect user charges. It then analyzes each funding alternative in terms of these common cost factors. No other book provides such an understandable framework for comparing project costs and their ultimate impact on ratepayer charges. Handbook of Project Finance for Water and Wastewater Systems is an essential book for utility managers, consultants, engineers, regulators, environmental attorneys, and planners. Features Addresses the seven major factors that affect project costs Easy to read Presents easily comparable options