Sustainability

According to Global Water Challenge, sustainability is one of the most pressing issues facing the WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) sector today. More than 30 percent of WASH projects fail after two to five years. Resources available to help address this challenge include guidance on operations and maintenance approaches, tools to estimate long-term costs, and other resources to support sustainability.

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Sustainability Resources

Operating and Maintaining a Biogas System

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
This technical note describes how to operate and maintain a biogas system. A biogas system is a means of digesting animal manure anaerobically to produce methane gas which is burned to provide heat or light. The system consists of one or more digester tanks, a gas holder, an arrangement of gas...Read more

Operating and Maintaining a Landfill

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
This technical note describes how to operate and maintain a landfill. A landfill is a means of disposing of solid waste by burying it. This prevents contamination of water supplies and breeding of flies and rats which may spread disease to people in the community. Operating a landfill involves...Read more

Operating and Maintaining Household Water Connections

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
Technical note provides direction for operation and maintenance of household water connections.Read more

Operating and Maintaining Hand Pumps

Published: 
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
Technical note provides direction for proper operation and maintenance of pumping equipment to ensure long-term sustainability.Read more

Maintaining Safe Water Supply and Sanitation: Student Text

Published: 
January 1, 1980
U.S. Agency for International Development
Unhygienic conditions, such as improper excreta disposal and unsafe water supply, which are common conditions in many of our rural communities, lead to increased illness of the residents and can lead to death, particularly for children. Poor personal hygiene habits also lead to increased illness...Read more
Regional focus: 
LesothoSub-Saharan Africa

Water for the World: Operating and Maintaining a Landfill

U.S. Agency for International Development
A landfill is a means of disposing of solid waste by burying it. This technical note describes how to operate and maintain a landfill.Read more
Regional focus: 
United StatesNorth America

Water for the World: Designing a Landfill

U.S. Agency for International Development
A landfill is a means of disposing of solid waste by burying it. This technical note describes how to design a landfill and arrive at the essential end-products.Read more
Regional focus: 
United StatesNorth America

Water for the World: Planning Solid Waste Management Systems

U.S. Agency for International Development
This technical note discusses planning and implementation of the activities involved in setting goals and establishing step-by-step procedures for solid waste management.Read more
Regional focus: 
United StatesNorth America

Water for the World: Maintaining Water Storage Tanks

U.S. Agency for International Development
The maintenance of water storage tanks is necessary to ensure the quality of the water stored. This technical note describes the maintenance of cisterns, ground level storage tanks, and elevated tanks.Read more
Regional focus: 
United StatesNorth America

Water for the World: Operating and Maintaining a Composting System

U.S. Agency for International Development
A composting system is a means of turning garbage, animal manure, other organic wastes, and in some cases, excreta, into compost. This technical note describes how to operate and maintain a composting system.Read more
Regional focus: 
United StatesNorth America

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