Water supply and sanitation in developing countries

Water resources are being depleted and contaminated due to increasing, wasteful usage and pollution, and, as a result, water of good quality is becoming increasingly scarce and therefore more costly. As well, many countries face severe water shortages. In the light of these problems, water resources must be managed sustainably or water will, in the near future, become a constraint impeding sustainable development in many developing countries. Integrated water management seeks to exploit water resources sustainably so as to satisfy the demands of all user groups but must ensure priority for the minimum water needs for drinking and sanitation. This policy document, designed to be used for project preparation and implementation, is the fourth in a series describing the Netherlands Development Assistance (NEDA) policy in the field of water and water management in developing countries. It includes a description of the water supply and sanitation sector; an indication of its importance for poverty alleviation, women and development, and the environment and health; and an outline of international developments for the sector from the Water Supply and Sanitation Decade through to the Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen (1995). The problems and experiences of NEDA and other donors in the sector are summarized. NEDA policy for the sector is set out and the systematic approach taken to policy implementation is described. The document also provides a framework for monitoring and evaluating projects and programmes in this field.