Sustainable community-based drinking water systems in developing countries: stakeholder perspectives

Over the past 25 years, stakeholders have become increasingly involved in the development and management of community-based projects. This paper presents the results of a study aimed at establishing stakeholder perspectives and priorities for sustainable community-based drinking water systems (CBDWS). The stakeholders have agreements and biases, which require an improved understanding of the sustainability of CBDWS. Environmental and institutional components of sustainability were noted to be two top priorities among the different groups of stakeholders. Most stakeholders agreed on priorities of clean drinking water sources, properly maintained infrastructure protecting the water quality, and the need for socially aware consumer communities. A complete review of the existing engineering practices and policy development is needed for successful implementation of any sustainable CBDWS.