Processes for Sustainability: Facilitating a Cycle of Success

This two-page document summarises the findings of a recent study conducted by researchers at The Water Institute at the University of North Carolina. The lack of sustainable community-managed drinking water systems is a major concern in low- and middle-income countries. While water system breakdown is inevitable, some water systems continue to be rehabilitated and provide water for decades while others fail permanently shortly after implementation. Previous studies have shown that water committees and fee collection are critical to sustainability (Fisher 2015, Foster 2013). This study examined successful water systems to identify processes for sustainability.

This two-pager documents the role of external support actors (governments, non-governmental organisations, etc.) in providing support and an enabling environment for successful community ownership and management of water systems. It also documents a variety of means by which water committees mobilise resources for management of water committees.

This two-pager summarizes just some of the findings of this study. Another two-pager on Women and Water Management can be found here. Read more about World Vision's 6-year partnership with The Water Institute at UNC.