In most countries, national
governments produce standardized technical guidelines and specifications for
water supply systems in order to facilitate procurement, production and quality
control. For example, WaterCan will only support hand pump models that are proven
Village Level Operation and Maintenance (VLOM) types, since they facilitate
community control of management. Using these guidelines as a departure point,
WaterCan’s local partners will discuss with communities the level of service
desired (for example, communal wells with handpumps versus individual house
connections) and assess their willingness and ability to pay for it. This, coupled
with the availability and accessibility of different water sources, will largely
determine technology selection.
Water quality from developed water-points should be within acceptable limits
of local government standards. While chemical quality can vary from place to
place, biological contaminants such as bacteria and other pathogens are typically
the main cause of concern with regard to water supplies for domestic use. All
water points to be developed will be appropriately protected. For example, to
avoid problems of groundwater pollution, sanitation sites will be properly sited,
new wells will be disinfected after completion, and proper drainage aprons will
be constructed. To facilitate on-going water quality monitoring activities,
WaterCan will work with its overseas NGO partners to explore and introduce community-based
monitoring systems.
