Management models for piped water supply
A guide by WaterAid and Aguaconsult on selecting management models for piped water supply systems.
In 2015, governments committed to Sustainable Development Goal 6.1: universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030.
Rural communities have traditionally suffered from lack of access to essential services such as water and sanitation, compared to urban populations. Reaching SDG 6 means closing that gap, but also improving the quality, accessibility and reliability of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services. The ultimate goal – sustainable water in every household – can normally better be achieved via piped networks.
This report, written by WaterAid and Aguaconsult, has been developed primarily for WaterAid staff and partners to help in the selection of management models for piped water supply systems in rural and small town contexts. It is also being made available as an external resource for other organisations, including national governments and development partners.
Professionalisation series
This is the first in a series of publications focused on professionalising the management of rural and small town water supply services.
The second publication, Piped water supply services: strengthening management models in rural and small town contexts is a decision-making resource designed to help practitioners select or strengthen management arrangements for piped water supplies in different contexts. It compares the viability of the ten management models against four variables: 1) commercial viability and economies of scale; 2) technical complexity, connectedness and local capacity; 3) sector policy, legislation and financing arrangements; 4) regulation and accountability mechanisms, local preferences and ensuring inclusive services for all.
The third publication, WhoDoesWAT, is a ground-tested participatory tool to help WASH practitioners facilitate dialogue between multiple stakeholders to strengthen management arrangements for rural and small-town water supply services.