Technological Innovations for Rural Water Supply in Low-resource Settings

CHALLENGES OF RURAL WATER SUPPLY

Globally, the Sustainable Development Goals (2015–2030) are driving efforts to increase water service levels, while ensuring that services are affordable and no vulnerable population is left behind. In concert with global development goals, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Rural Evidence and Learning for Water (REAL-Water; 2021–2026) program focuses on identifying ways to expand water access and safety in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries. Rural areas pose special challenges for water supply, as homes may be too few or too dispersed to justify the cost of installing underground pipes from a high-quality water supply source or a centralized drinking water treatment facility. As of 2020, the majority of people lacking even basic water services (i.e., water from a protected source requiring no more than 30 minutes to collect) lived in rural areas.

REPORT OBJECTIVES

This report provides an overview of water supply technologies that are innovative in either design or application in rural areas such as small villages and dispersed settlements. It highlights categories of high-technology concepts (i.e., advanced electronic devices, materials, and designs) that offer a greater range of options to decision-makers, donors, practitioners, and consumers who manage rural water supplies.

TECHNOLOGY SYNOPSES

The report covers nine modules with information on technological innovations for safe rural water supplies, arranged roughly in order of the cycle from the water source to the point of consumption. Each technological innovation section discusses the background (need for the technology), solutions (technical offerings), and examples in practice. “Pros” summarize the innovation’s advantages relative to other options (the status quo), while “cons” summarize the relative disadvantages. We also comment on the stage of development, marketing considerations (including whether the innovation’s appeal or applicability is limited to specific contexts), and scale of dissemination globally.

Innovations:

1. Solar Pumps

2. Community-Scale Disinfection

3. Membrane Filtration

4. Reverse Osmosis

5. Smart Meters

6. Digital Payments

7. Decentralized Water Quality Testing

8. Sensors

9. Digital Management Applications

DISCLAIMER: This report is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this report are the sole responsibility of The Aquaya Institute and REAL-Water consortium members and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.