Developing and managing community water supplies

This book is based on direct field experience in community water supply programmes in Africa. It stresses the partnership between community and agency, and includes real case studies to illustrate this relationship. The authors discuss issues and stages in the development of water supplies, from the initiation of a programme through to the community management of a supply. They emphasize an integrated approach, i.e. involving all the members of a community in decisions about water provision, as well as the need to incorporate a range of concerns such as sanitation, hygiene education and environmental protection. The book is divided into two parts: part one examines the links between water and health, and the importance of hygiene education. It also looks at the roles of different individuals within communities and agencies, taking into consideration traditions, beliefs and attitudes. Part two looks at the development of community water supplies, starting with planning, preparing a proposal, implementing projects, the management of community water supplies, and the process of evaluation to determine the impact of the programme.