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.

Sustainability Resources

Maintaining Small Dams

Publication date:
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
This technical note discusses what measures should be taken to maintain a dam effectively.Read more

Maintaining Water Storage Tanks

Publication date:
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
The maintenance of water storage tanks is necessary to ensure the quality of the water stored. Maintenance of tanks basically involves two important procedures: prevention of contamination, and cleaning the tank periodically to ensure that water is fresh. This technical note describes the...Read more

Operating and Maintaining a Composting System

Publication date:
January 1, 1982
U.S. Agency for International Development
This technical note describes how to operate and maintain a composting system. A composting system is a means of turning garbage, animal manure, other organic wastes, and, in some cases, excreta into compost. Operating a composting system involves preparing the organic materials, piling the...Read more

Operating and Maintaining a Biogas System

Publication date:
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

Publication date:
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 Hand Pumps

Publication date:
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

Publication date:
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/Country focus:
Lesotho
Sub-Saharan Africa

Don't see what you're looking for? You can search USWP member sites, request a resource, or contact the USWP.