Water

Research

19 pages, 1164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Drinking Water Insecurity in Southwest Coastal Bangladesh: How Far to SDG 6.1?

by Mohammad Jobayer Hossain, Md. Arif Chowdhury, Sayka Jahan, Rashed Uz Zzaman and Syed Labib Ul Islam

Water 2021, 13(24), 3571; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13243571 - 13 Dec 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 8219

Abstract

Substantial progress has been seen in the drinking water supply as per the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), but achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SGD 6.1 regarding safely managed drinking water with much more stringent targets, is considered as a development challenge. [...] Read more.

Substantial progress has been seen in the drinking water supply as per the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), but achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SGD 6.1 regarding safely managed drinking water with much more stringent targets, is considered as a development challenge. The problem is more acute in low-income water-scarce hard-to-reach areas such as the southwest coastal region of Bangladesh, where complex hydrogeological conditions and adverse water quality contribute to a highly vulnerable and insecure water environment. Following the background, this study investigated the challenges and potential solutions to drinking water insecurity in a water-scarce area of southwest coastal Bangladesh using a mixed-methods approach. The findings revealed that water insecurity arises from unimproved, deteriorated, unaffordable, and unreliable sources that have significant time and distance burdens. High rates of technical dysfunction of the existing water infrastructure contribute to water insecurity as well. Consequently, safely managed water services are accessible to only 12% of the population, whereas 64% of the population does not have basic water. To reach the SDG 6.1 target, this underserved community needs well-functioning readily accessible water infrastructure with formal institutional arrangement rather than self-governance, which seems unsuccessful in this low-income context. This study will help the government and its development partners in implementing SDG action plans around investments to a reliable supply of safe water to the people living in water-scarce hard-to-reach coastal areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future of Drinking Water Supplies in Low-Income Regions)

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23 pages, 4860 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Rainwater Harvesting and Consumption in a Middle Eastern Semiarid Urban Area

by Ehsan Ranaee, Ali Akbar Abbasi, Javad Tabatabaee Yazdi and Maryam Ziyaee

Water 2021, 13(15), 2130; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13152130 - 2 Aug 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4742

Abstract

Recent developments of Middle Eastern metropolitans, and the related soaring trend of population increase, is contemporary with the impacts of climate changes. This applies extra pressures to the centralized large-scale water treatment and distribution systems. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) for domestic urban activities can [...] Read more.

Recent developments of Middle Eastern metropolitans, and the related soaring trend of population increase, is contemporary with the impacts of climate changes. This applies extra pressures to the centralized large-scale water treatment and distribution systems. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) for domestic urban activities can be a sustainable option of adapting with the rising demand of soft water in such an arid/semiarid area. A pilot system of rainwater draining and storage was constructed for alleviating parts of soft water scarcity in Mashhad, the second most populous city of Iran. Measurements were collected for two years at the drainage basin outlet and inside of a storage tank, which has been equipped for water harvesting purposes. We performed some preliminary stochastic analysis and evaluated probabilistic properties of the collected dataset, aiming to explain them with respect to the physical characteristics of the RWH system. Data clustering analysis confirmed that the quality of the water may change during rainwater draining and storage in the RWH tank. Particularly, sodium content of the sampled water in the drainage catchment illustrated higher variations, compared with the ones evaluated for the stored water in the reservoir tank. This can confirm that the quality of the stored water in the RWH reservoir is more stable than that obtained for each separate rainfall–runoff event. We assessed the potential of the harvested water in different consumption contexts, in light of some national and international water quality (physicochemical, biological, and toxic pollutants) guidelines. We relied on water quality indices (WQI) to interpret multiparametric properties of the collected rainwater from urban surfaces; consequently, the quality of the harvested water was categorized with moderate to almost good attributes. This makes it well suited for irrigation uses, which can play a relevant role against water shortages in the analyzed semiarid urban region. Otherwise, infiltration and treatments need to be performed if using harvested water for drinking consumptions (of human or livestock), some of which may be costly for local owners/uses. We provide some suggestions for improving efficiency of the system and enhancing the quality of the harvesting water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future of Drinking Water Supplies in Low-Income Regions)

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14 pages, 3389 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Mapping Ground Water Access in Two Rural Communes of Burkina Faso

by Silvia Díaz-Alcaide, Wennegouda Jean-Pierre Sandwidi, Pedro Martínez-Santos, Miguel Martín-Loeches, José Luis Cáceres and Naomi Seijas

Water 2021, 13(10), 1356; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13101356 - 13 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4011

Abstract

Granting safe water access worldwide is a major objective of the Sustainable Development Goals. Water access is a manifold concept that encompasses collection time, distance from the household, water quality, affordability, and reliability of water sources, among other factors. GIS-based methods can be [...] Read more.

Granting safe water access worldwide is a major objective of the Sustainable Development Goals. Water access is a manifold concept that encompasses collection time, distance from the household, water quality, affordability, and reliability of water sources, among other factors. GIS-based methods can be particularly useful in improving water access estimates, particularly in rural areas of developing countries. Based on an extensive water point database (n = 770), this paper explores the main challenges involved in mapping water access in two rural communes of Burkina Faso. Water access is estimated in terms of coverage per surface area. Coverage is filtered into four distinct categories of improved water sources, namely existing infrastructures, operational infrastructures, permanent infrastructures, and permanent infrastructures that provide safe water. The outcomes suggest that the study area is better endowed with water access than rural Burkina Faso and the remainder of the African continent, although there are important questions regarding groundwater quality. The outcomes highlight the conceptual differences between coverage and access, as well as some of the practical difficulties involved in estimating water access beyond standard ratios. The shortcomings include the absence of continuous monitoring of infrastructure functionality and water quality, as well as water affordability, among others. Enhancing national borehole databases with items aligned with the United Nations’ definition of water access is recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future of Drinking Water Supplies in Low-Income Regions)

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18 pages, 888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Psychological Ownership in Safe Water Management: A Mixed-Methods Study in Nepal

by Benjamin Ambuehl, Vica Maria Jelena Tomberge, Bal Mukunda Kunwar, Ariane Schertenleib, Sara J. Marks and Jennifer Inauen

Water 2021, 13(5), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13050589 - 24 Feb 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4690

Abstract

Long-term management and use of community-based safe water systems are essential to reduce water-related health risks in rural areas. Water sector professionals frequently cite water users’ sense of ownership for the water system as essential for its continuity. This study aims to provide [...] Read more.

Long-term management and use of community-based safe water systems are essential to reduce water-related health risks in rural areas. Water sector professionals frequently cite water users’ sense of ownership for the water system as essential for its continuity. This study aims to provide the first insight into users’ understanding of psychological ownership, as well as generalizable data, regarding safe water management in rural Nepal. In this convergent mixed-methods study, we conducted 22 qualitative and 493 quantitative interviews with community members in five districts of Nepal, where spring-fed piped water supplies were previously implemented through a demand-led, participatory planning approach. We analyzed the qualitative data by thematic analysis and modeled quantitative routes to and consequences of psychological ownership in generalized estimating equations. Findings from qualitative and quantitative analyses converged to show that community members’ decision-making, investment of labor and money, and knowledge about the water system were associated with greater psychological ownership. Psychological ownership was related to greater acceptance and responsibility for maintenance and use, as well as greater confidence in functionality of the water system, but not to its actual functionality. The results highlight the potential of psychological ownership and community participation for the longevity of community-based safe water infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future of Drinking Water Supplies in Low-Income Regions)

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18 pages, 1851 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Monitoring Groundwater Use as a Domestic Water Source by Urban Households: Analysis of Data from Lagos State, Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa with Implications for Policy and Practice

by Kerstin Danert and Adrian Healy

Water 2021, 13(4), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13040568 - 23 Feb 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6745

Abstract

The fundamental importance of groundwater for urban drinking water supplies in sub-Saharan Africa is increasingly recognised. However, little is known about the trends in urban groundwater development by individual households and its role in securing safely-managed drinking water supplies. Anecdotal evidence indicates a [...] Read more.

The fundamental importance of groundwater for urban drinking water supplies in sub-Saharan Africa is increasingly recognised. However, little is known about the trends in urban groundwater development by individual households and its role in securing safely-managed drinking water supplies. Anecdotal evidence indicates a thriving self-supply movement to exploit groundwater in some urban sub-Saharan African settings, but empirical evidence, or analysis of the benefits and drawbacks, remains sparse. Through a detailed analysis of official datasets for Lagos State, Nigeria we examine the crucial role played by groundwater and, specifically, by household self-supply for domestic water provision. We then set this in the context of Nigeria and of sub-Saharan Africa. One of the novelties of this multi-scalar approach is that it provides a granular understanding from large-scale datasets. Our analysis confirms the importance of non-piped water supplies in meeting current and future drinking water demand by households in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and the role played, through self-supply, by groundwater. Our results demonstrate inconsistencies between datasets, and we make recommendations for the future. We argue that a key actor in the provision of drinking water supplies, the individual household, is largely overlooked by officially reported data, with implications for both policy and practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future of Drinking Water Supplies in Low-Income Regions)

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18 pages, 7401 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Drinking Water Quality Mapping Using Water Quality Index and Geospatial Analysis in Primary Schools of Pakistan

by Jamil Ahmed, Li Ping Wong, Yan Piaw Chua and Najeebullah Channa

Water 2020, 12(12), 3382; https://doi.org/10.3390/w12123382 - 2 Dec 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 9547

Abstract

Primary school children in the developing world often lack potable water, which may result in a high burden of water-related diseases and poor school performance. The present study aimed to characterize the drinking water quality in primary schools of Pakistan. We used a [...] Read more.

Primary school children in the developing world often lack potable water, which may result in a high burden of water-related diseases and poor school performance. The present study aimed to characterize the drinking water quality in primary schools of Pakistan. We used a multistage random-sampling method to select 425 primary schools from selected districts of Sindh province. Standard methods were used to characterize water quality. The results were compared with maximum acceptable values recommended by the Pakistani National Environmental Quality Standards (Pak NEQS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water quality standards. Groundwater (62%) and surface water (38%) were identified as two major drinking water sources in the selected schools with varying levels of water quality. Among all parameters, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and nitrate remained within WHO and Pak NEQS water quality standard limit, while total dissolved solids (TDS) (33%), electrical conductivity (EC) (46%), chloride (34%), turbidity (27%), and hardness (11%) samples exceeded standard limits. All dissolved salts had moderate to strong positive correlations with TDS and EC values. Based on a water quality index (WQI), 74% of primary schools had access to excellent or good quality drinking water compared to 26% of schools that had access to either poor, very poor or unsuitable drinking water. Among all three regions, more schools from South Sindh had either poor, very poor or unsuitable drinking water (33%) compared to the Central (25%) and North zones (15%). Hence, water from these locations is unfit for human consumption and these schools need better water quality management plans to stop the spread of water-related diseases in primary school children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future of Drinking Water Supplies in Low-Income Regions)

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Graphical abstract

18 pages, 1816 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Level of the Household Water Service Provided by a Private Water Enterprise in Ghana

by Philip Deal and David Sabatini

Water 2020, 12(3), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/w12030693 - 3 Mar 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5084

Abstract

Innovative service delivery models are attempting to more consistently provide clean water to communities in developing countries. It is imperative that these approaches be evaluated for their performance in these contexts while understating potential consequences. A private service delivery model in Ghana utilizing [...] Read more.

Innovative service delivery models are attempting to more consistently provide clean water to communities in developing countries. It is imperative that these approaches be evaluated for their performance in these contexts while understating potential consequences. A private service delivery model in Ghana utilizing solar-powered water treatment, circuit rider principles, pre-paid metering, and a district-wide approach was assessed for three years. A quasi-experimental design used key informant surveys, household surveys, and water quality testing to investigate the service received by households under various management schemes. Service indicators were compared using logistic regression analysis. Private customers were shown to have significantly improved quality, annual reliability, and satisfaction ratings (p < 0.05) compared with control households, while maintaining the quantity of water collected. However, private customers were more reliant upon multiple water sources to meet domestic needs and suffered from lower affordability scores. About 38% of households used private water services, with no significant relationship with socioeconomic class. It is important for policy-makers and implementers to understand that some people will be unwilling or unable to take advantage of this model, and a transition from free improved sources to paid piped schemes will likely require a period of supporting both systems in order to reach everyone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future of Drinking Water Supplies in Low-Income Regions)

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Graphical abstract

18 pages, 633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Why Do People Remain Attached to Unsafe Drinking Water Options? Quantitative Evidence from Southwestern Bangladesh

by Floris Loys Naus, Kennard Burer, Frank van Laerhoven, Jasper Griffioen, Kazi Matin Ahmed and Paul Schot

Water 2020, 12(2), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/w12020342 - 25 Jan 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4730

Abstract

The acceptance of newly implemented, safe drinking water options is not guaranteed. In the Khulna and Satkhira districts, Bangladesh, pond water is pathogen-contaminated, while groundwater from shallow tubewells may be arsenic- or saline-contaminated. This study aims to determine why, as well as the [...] Read more.

The acceptance of newly implemented, safe drinking water options is not guaranteed. In the Khulna and Satkhira districts, Bangladesh, pond water is pathogen-contaminated, while groundwater from shallow tubewells may be arsenic- or saline-contaminated. This study aims to determine why, as well as the extent to which, people are expected to remain attached to using these unsafe water options, compared to the following four safer drinking water options: deep tubewells, pond sand filters, vendor water, and rainwater harvesting. Through 262 surveys, this study explores whether five explanatory factors (risk, attitude, norms, reliability, and habit) pose barriers to switching from unsafe to safe drinking water options or whether they could act as facilitators of such a switch. Users’ attachment to using pond water is generally low (facilitators: risk and attitude. Barrier: norms). Users are more attached to shallow tubewells (no facilitators. Barriers: reliability and habit). The safe alternatives (deep tubewell, rain water harvesting, pond sand filter, and vendor water) score significantly better than pond water and are estimated to have the potential to be adopted by pond water users. Deep tubewell, rain water harvesting, and pond sand filter also score better than shallow tubewells and could also have the potential to replace them. These findings may be used to optimise implementation strategies for safer drinking water alternatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future of Drinking Water Supplies in Low-Income Regions)

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20 pages, 964 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Rural Water System Design Matter? A Study of Productive Use of Water in Rural Nepal

by Raj K. GC, Shyam Ranganathan and Ralph P. Hall

Water 2019, 11(10), 1978; https://doi.org/10.3390/w11101978 - 23 Sep 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7738

Abstract

In Nepal, rural water systems (RWS) are classified by practitioners as single-use domestic water systems (SUS) or multiple-use water systems (MUS). In the rural hills of Nepal, subsistence farming communities typically use RWS to support income-generating productive activities that can enhance rural livelihoods. [...] Read more.

In Nepal, rural water systems (RWS) are classified by practitioners as single-use domestic water systems (SUS) or multiple-use water systems (MUS). In the rural hills of Nepal, subsistence farming communities typically use RWS to support income-generating productive activities that can enhance rural livelihoods. However, there is limited research on the extent of existing productive activity and the factors enabling these activities. This paper examines the extent of water-related productive activities and the factors driving these activities based on a study, undertaken between October 2017 to June 2018, of 202 households served from five single-use domestic water systems and five multiple use water systems in the mid-hills of Nepal. The research found that a majority (94%) of these households engaged in two or more productive activities including growing vegetables and horticulture crops, raising livestock, and producing biogas and Rakshi (locally-produced alcohol), regardless of the system design, i.e., SUS vs. MUS. Around 90% of the households were engaged in productive activities that contributed to over 10% of their mean annual household income ($4,375). Since the SUS vs. MUS classification was not found to be a significant determinant of the extent of productive activity, the households were reclassified as having high or low levels of productive activity based on the quantity of water used for these activities and the associated earned income. A multinomial logistic regression model was developed to measure the relative significance of various predictors of high productive activity households. Five dominant predictors were identified: households that farm as a primary occupation, use productive technologies, are motivated to pursue productive activities, have received water-related productive activity training, and have received external support related to productive activities. Whereas MUS are designed for productive activity, nearly every household in SUS communities was involved in productive activities making them ‘de-facto’ MUS. These results challenge the current approach to rural water provision that views SUS and MUS as functionally different services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future of Drinking Water Supplies in Low-Income Regions)

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20 pages, 1347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Groundwater as a Source of Drinking Water in Southeast Asia and the Pacific: A Multi-Country Review of Current Reliance and Resource Concerns

by Naomi Carrard, Tim Foster and Juliet Willetts

Water 2019, 11(8), 1605; https://doi.org/10.3390/w11081605 - 2 Aug 2019

Cited by 178 | Viewed by 47134 | Correction

Abstract

Groundwater is widely acknowledged to be an important source of drinking water in low-income regions, and it, therefore, plays a critical role in the realization of the human right to water. However, the proportion of households using groundwater compared with other sources is [...] Read more.

Groundwater is widely acknowledged to be an important source of drinking water in low-income regions, and it, therefore, plays a critical role in the realization of the human right to water. However, the proportion of households using groundwater compared with other sources is rarely quantified, with national and global datasets more focused on facilities—rather than resources—used. This is a significant gap in knowledge, particularly in light of efforts to expand water services in line with the inclusive and integrated agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals. Understanding the prevalence of groundwater reliance for drinking is critical for those involved in water services planning and management, so they can better monitor and advocate for management of water resources that supports sustainable services for households. This paper contributes data that can be used to strengthen the integration of resource considerations within water service delivery and inform the work of development partners supporting this area. We approach this issue from two perspectives. Firstly, we collate data on the proportion of households using groundwater as their primary drinking water source for 10 Southeast Asian and Pacific nations, finding an average of 66% (range of 17–93% for individual countries) of households in urban areas and 60% (range of 22–95%) of households in rural areas rely on groundwater for drinking. Together, these constitute 79% of the total population across the case study countries. Secondly, we review current and emerging groundwater resource concerns within each country, using a systems thinking approach to assess how groundwater resource issues influence household water services. Findings support the case for governments and development agencies to strengthen engagement with groundwater resource management as foundational for achieving sustainable water services for all. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future of Drinking Water Supplies in Low-Income Regions)

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13 pages, 2480 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stranded Assets as a Key Concept to Guide Investment Strategies for Sustainable Development Goal 6

by Robert M. Kalin, Joseph Mwanamveka, Andrea B. Coulson, Donald J. C. Robertson, Holly Clark, Jon Rathjen and Michael O. Rivett

Water 2019, 11(4), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/w11040702 - 5 Apr 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 7530

Abstract

The concept of Stranded Assets has been used for nearly 50 years across many sectors, most recently it has been a focus of investment portfolios in light of the possible impacts of climate change. However, to date there has been no in-depth determination [...] Read more.

The concept of Stranded Assets has been used for nearly 50 years across many sectors, most recently it has been a focus of investment portfolios in light of the possible impacts of climate change. However, to date there has been no in-depth determination of the impact of Stranded Assets for rural water supply, despite international development targets from Rio, through Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and now the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The limiting factor for carrying out such an assessment is the requirement of a full and detailed asset register recording all rural water supplies in a country. The Scottish Government Climate Justice Fund Water Futures Programme, in collaboration with the Government of Malawi, is undertaking a comprehensive asset audit across Malawi, and this paper introduces the concept of Stranded Assets for the rural water supply sector using Malawi as an exemplar. Here, we demonstrate how significant change in the implementation strategy for SDGs compared to the MDGs is needed to reduce the potential for Stranded Assets and meet its ultimate aim. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future of Drinking Water Supplies in Low-Income Regions)

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18 pages, 2371 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Functionality and Burden on Decentralised Rural Water Supply: Influence of Millennium Development Goal 7c Coverage Targets

by Jonathan P. Truslove, Alexandra V. M. Miller, Nicholas Mannix, Muthi Nhlema, Michael O. Rivett, Andrea B. Coulson, Prince Mleta and Robert M. Kalin

Water 2019, 11(3), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/w11030494 - 8 Mar 2019

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 7382

Abstract

The sustainability of rural groundwater supply infrastructure, primarily boreholes fitted with hand pumps, remains a challenge. This study evaluates whether coverage targets set out within the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) inadvertently increased the challenge to sustainably manage water supply infrastructure. Furthermore, the drive [...] Read more.

The sustainability of rural groundwater supply infrastructure, primarily boreholes fitted with hand pumps, remains a challenge. This study evaluates whether coverage targets set out within the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) inadvertently increased the challenge to sustainably manage water supply infrastructure. Furthermore, the drive towards decentralised service delivery contributes to the financial burden of water supply assets. A sample size of 14,943 Afridev hand pump boreholes was extracted from a comprehensive live data set of 68,984 water points across Malawi to investigate the sustainability burden as emphasis shifts to the 2030 agenda. The results demonstrate that the push for coverage within the MDG era has impacted the sustainability of assets. A lack of proactive approaches towards major repairs and sub-standard borehole construction alongside aging infrastructure contributes to reduced functionality of decentralised supplies. Furthermore, costly rehabilitation is required to bring assets to operational standards, in which external support is commonly relied upon. Acceleration towards the coverage targets has contributed towards unsustainable infrastructure that has further implications moving forward. These findings support the need for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) investment planning to move from a focus on coverage targets to a focus on quality infrastructure and proactive monitoring approaches to reduce the future burden placed on communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future of Drinking Water Supplies in Low-Income Regions)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

34 pages, 1644 KiB

Open AccessReview

Striving for Borehole Drilling Professionalism in Africa: A Review of a 16-Year Initiative through the Rural Water Supply Network from 2004 to 2020

by Kerstin Danert, Dotun Adekile and Jose Gesti Canuto

Water 2020, 12(12), 3305; https://doi.org/10.3390/w12123305 - 24 Nov 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 11679

Abstract

Drilled boreholes are vital to achieving universal, safe drinking water and meeting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.1, particularly in Africa. Poor quality siting, borehole design, drilling and completion lead to premature failure of the water supply. From 2004 to 2020, a multi-stakeholder initiative [...] Read more.

Drilled boreholes are vital to achieving universal, safe drinking water and meeting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.1, particularly in Africa. Poor quality siting, borehole design, drilling and completion lead to premature failure of the water supply. From 2004 to 2020, a multi-stakeholder initiative through the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) has endeavored to raise the professionalism of borehole drilling and its management in Africa. The initiative comprised in-country and desk studies, training, and the development of guidelines, manuals, training materials, short animated films for advocacy as well as using blogs, webinars and online communities of practice to share experiences. The initiative was funded to approximately USD 750,000 in total. Funding was fragmented throughout, but the initial support by the World Bank Water and Sanitation Programme Africa (WSP-AF), consistent leadership and subsequent partnerships between Skat Foundation, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), WaterAid UK and others enabled progression on the topic, as well as innovation and opportunities to be harnessed. The initiative has raised the profile of drilling professionalism, provided a wealth of materials and inspired others to take action. Thousands of stakeholders have improved their knowledge. Academic research on the topic has also increased and capacity strengthening of groundwater management and professional drilling is now an action area for the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW). UNICEF and WaterAid are among the organizations that have made changes to procurement and project management as a result of the initiative. Despite a growing recognition of the importance of drilling professionalism, reliable, long-term investment in in-country training and professional development, and addressing challenges in the institutional environment remains inadequate. Despite the importance of water well drilling, and commitments to SDG 6.1, capacity strengthening in this area remains a marginal issue for national and international political leadership, and arguably for international funding agencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future of Drinking Water Supplies in Low-Income Regions)

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18 pages, 731 KiB

Open AccessReview

Manual Borehole Drilling as a Cost-Effective Solution for Drinking Water Access in Low-Income Contexts

by Pedro Martínez-Santos, Miguel Martín-Loeches, Silvia Díaz-Alcaide and Kerstin Danert

Water 2020, 12(7), 1981; https://doi.org/10.3390/w12071981 - 13 Jul 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 15128

Abstract

Water access remains a challenge in rural areas of low-income countries. Manual drilling technologies have the potential to enhance water access by providing a low cost drinking water alternative for communities in low and middle income countries. This paper provides an overview of [...] Read more.

Water access remains a challenge in rural areas of low-income countries. Manual drilling technologies have the potential to enhance water access by providing a low cost drinking water alternative for communities in low and middle income countries. This paper provides an overview of the main successes and challenges experienced by manual boreholes in the last two decades. A review of the existing methods is provided, discussing their advantages and disadvantages and comparing their potential against alternatives such as excavated wells and mechanized boreholes. Manual boreholes are found to be a competitive solution in relatively soft rocks, such as unconsolidated sediments and weathered materials, as well as and in hydrogeological settings characterized by moderately shallow water tables. Ensuring professional workmanship, the development of regulatory frameworks, protection against groundwater pollution and standards for quality assurance rank among the main challenges for the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future of Drinking Water Supplies in Low-Income Regions)

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