Decentralizing Water Access: The Role of Water Infrastructure in Social Development

Did you know that 2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water? This global crisis disproportionately affects rural communities, where traditional, large-scale water infrastructure projects can be impractical.? Clean water access is a fundamental human right. Reflecting the critical goal within the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Target 6.1 – achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030. Thereby enforcing the need to strategically collaborate with governments, NGOs, UN bodies, financial organizations, and water sustainability bodies worldwide to achieve this goal. In 2020, 74% of the world’s population used safely managed drinking water, up from 62% in 2000.

But simply delivering water isn't enough. We're strong advocates for decentralized water access, empowering communities to be stewards of their water security.

Why Decentralization?

Large water infrastructure projects, despite their effectiveness in some cases, have limitations. They can be inflexible and expensive to keep running, especially in remote or growing areas. Decentralized solutions, such as rainwater collection or solar-powered well pumps, give communities more control over their water supply. ?Liby Johnson, Executive Director of the Orrisa-based NGO Gram Vikas, explains in ‘TheIndiaWaterPortal’ that decentralized water management is driven by practical challenges. These challenges can be broadly categorized into two areas: natural and technical limitations, as well as management and institutional shortcomings.

The Ripple Effect of Water Security

Empowering communities with water access go far beyond simply quenching thirst. Here's how it fosters social development:

·??????? Improved Health: Safe drinking water reduces waterborne diseases, keeping families healthy and productive.

·??????? Education and Opportunity: When children aren't spending hours collecting water, they can attend school, leading to brighter futures.

·??????? Gender Equality: Decentralized systems often reduce the burden of water collection, traditionally placed on women and girls, allowing them to pursue education and income generation.

·??????? Economic Growth: Reliable water access fosters agricultural productivity and small business development, strengthening the local economy.

Governments’ Role in Decentralization and Social Development

According to The World Health Organization report “The State of World’s Drinking Water” emphasizes the need for stronger government action in ensuring clean water access for all. This includes creating clear regulations that protect consumers, investing in infrastructure and institutions, and allocating more resources to reach underserved communities. Ultimately, achieving this goal aligns with the UN's pledge to leave “no one behind”.

Water Infrastructure Company’s Role in Decentralization

While governments play a crucial role, water infrastructure companies can also contribute significantly. We must adapt to climate change by building more resilient water systems that lessen their environmental impact. Companies can achieve this by collaborating with governments (both rural and urban) and other water sector stakeholders. This collaboration should bridge the gap between drinking water services and overall water resource management. Here's how water infrastructure companies can contribute:

·??????? Assess each community's specific needs and resources to identify the most appropriate decentralized solutions.

·??????? Offer technical expertise to support installation, operation, and maintenance of these systems.

·??????? Equip communities with the knowledge and skills (through training programs) to ensure the long-term sustainability of their water solutions

Building a Brighter Water Future, Together

Decentralized water access isn't just about delivering clean water – it's about empowering communities to thrive. By working together, we can ensure a future where everyone has access to this life-sustaining resource, fostering a ripple effect of positive social development. Let's continue the conversation! Share your thoughts on decentralized water access in the comments below.

Nityangi Kejriwal Jaiswal is a member of the Electrosteel Group leadership team, and has deep international, operational and industry experience.