This Resource Center curates the growing number of publications and resources that highlight the effectiveness of small water enterprises. This is a step toward building a community of practice that harnesses the know-how, market knowledge, and resources needed to improve and scale small water enterprises globally. We value the sharing of information, and invite you to e-mail us with any materials you believe will be helpful to others.
Water Essentials
The Untapped Potential of Decentralized Solutions to Provide Safe, Sustainable Drinking Water at Large Scale
Dalberg Jan. 2017
This report argues that new approaches are needed to achieve the U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 6.1 by 2030. Through the analysis of 14 different small water enterprises, the report uncovers bottlenecks to scale and sustainability.
Water on an Urban Planet: Urbanization and the Reach of Urban Water Infrastructure
McDonald, R., et al.
Global Enviornmental Change
Apr. 2014
The first global survey of the large cities’ water sources shows that previous global hydrologic models that ignored urban water infrastructure significantly overestimated urban water stress. However, one in four cities remain water stressed due to geographical and financial limitations.
Accessing Water for Domestic Use: The Challenges Faced in the GA West Municipality, Ghana
Adjakloe, Y.
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research; Vol 2, Issue 2, 78-91
Apr. 2014
This paper looks at the challenges to water access in the Ga West Municipality located in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The results show the major challenges are distance from home to water source, expensive cost of water, and the mode of transportation.
This note presents an overview of Safe Water Network's conclusions to date on local ownership and management of community water systems. Topics include clustering of water stations for shared oversight and support systems; public-private partnerships; financing solutions; and system technologies.
Impact of the Provision of Safe Drinking Water on School Absence Rates in Cambodia: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Hunter, P.R., et al.
PLOS ONE
Mar. 2014
This study looks at the role drinking water provision plays in reducing school absenteeism in developing countries. Conducted in Cambodia, this research considers the association between absenteeism and the provision of containers of treated water in schools.
Impact of the Provision of Safe Drinking Water on School Absence Rates in Cambodia: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Hunter et al.
PLoS ONE
Mar. 2014
There appears to be a strong association between providing free safe drinking water and reduced absenteeism, though only in the dry season. The mechanism for this association is not clear but may in part be due to improved hydration leading to improved school experience for the children.
Impact of the Provision of Safe Drinking Water on School Absence Rates in Cambodia: A Quasi-Experimental Study.
Hunter, P., Risebro, H., Yen, M., Lefebvre, H., Lo, C., Hartemann, P., Longuet, C., Jaquenoud, F.
PLOS ONE, Vol 9, Issue 3
Mar. 2014
This study undertakes the theory that clean water access in school will prevent absenteeism in Cambodia. There was a strong association between provision of safe water delivery and absenteeism. However, the reason for the association is not evident.
Framework for Assessing and Monitoring Rural and Small Town Water Supply Services in Ghana
Community Water and Sanitation Agency
National Community Water and Sanitation Programme
Mar. 2014
This document presents a list of indicators developed to monitor and evaluate rural and small town water supply service levels, functionality, and performance in Ghana. It also provides the data that needs to be collected in order to assess the indicators.
Towards a Sustainable Allocation of Potable Water in Ghana: Evidence from Kumasi
Quartey, J.
International Journal of Development and Economic Sustainability, Vol 2, 1-10
Mar. 2014
With growing population and urbanization, there is a lot of time and productivity lost due to time-consuming, labor-intensive, and counter-productive methods to collect water. An efficient water distribution system will reduce time wasted and thus have immense economic and social benefits.
Factors Contributing to Child Mortality Reductions in 142 Low- and Middle-Income Countries between 1990 and 2010
Bishai et al.
Population Association of America
Mar. 2014
Since 1990, child mortality has declined by 41% worldwide, due primarily to changes in levels of health determinants, more than changes in their efficacy or impact. The rise in access to clean water accounted for about 15% of observed child mortality decline.
This sales and marketing case study published in the Harvard Business Review considers Safe Water Network's efforts in Nizampally, India to: customize demand-driven solutions for the specific water-related issues of the region; gain support from prominent Indian and international companies; and ensure economic sustainability, which required active local participation and ownership. Note: document must be purchased through the Harvard Business Review.