Before 1972 where the main attention was paid to technological aspects, the quality of water was considered the most important factor based on the assumption that better water quality would result in an improved state of health. The advantages resulting from an improved access to a more reliable water supply, as well as the health effect of an increased volume of water, were only considered as secondary. It was implicitly assumed that the women would benefit from the program. This publication analyzes the role of women in rural water supply.