How systems connect - 1 of 3: Functional connections using WASH examples

Systems are commonly described as complex. The truth is that no one system exists in isolation. This is why the term “nexus” is very common, implicitly denoting the connections between two or more systems. It is in establishing connection points between different systems that we can ensure that negative interactions are minimized while enhancing synergies in positive interactions. However, what do connections between different systems look like??

Our starting point is that a system comprises interconnected stakeholders (practitioners and target groups) with the objective of providing a service to a target population, within the limits of set rules using technologies and infrastructure within a place. The key points here are the seven aspects of a system described in earlier articles ; the practitioners (supply side), the target groups (demand side), infrastructure and technology, transactions, space, and rules.?

To provide ideas to answer the question above, I use the water and sanitation systems of WASH as examples. Previous work by others has asked whether WASH is one or three systems. I am inclined to three distinct systems that connect. The water system from source to consumption, the sanitation system from interface to safe reuse and disposal, and the hygiene system which in my thoughts is not “standardized” but focuses on breaking causal pathways for diseases using hygiene activities such as hand washing.

With this in mind, two or more systems can connect in three distinct ways: 1. functional, 2. structural and 3. scale. This article will explore functional connection of systems and other subsequent articles will explore structural and scale connections.

Functional connections occur when an output of one system is the input of another. This is associated with expected and unexpected outcomes that may be negative or positive. Concepts such as circular economy follow functional connections in systems mostly at the material level motivated by engineering perspectives. The classic material example for functional connections is when sewage finds its way in drinking water pipelines which has a negative impact on health and environment. In addition,consumed drinking water ends up as an input for sanitation services while sanitation outputs are inputs for nutrient cycling for fertilizers.?

Functional connections occur when an output of one system is the input of another.

Functional links exist? beyond material flows and into the realm of practitioners, transaction modes and rules. An example from a practitioner's perspective is when universities (academic system) provide a skilled workforce for sanitation and other? services which may be aligned or not.? Or when you have to pay before a service is offered? for instance with prepay meters used in water supply systems or septic tank emptying services. Or when rules and social norms dictate access to a service only after certain preconditions.

Besides the above, functional connections further manifest spatially, in technologies and in infrastructures. Due to spatial characteristics, some areas automatically link with others. One example is the leeward and the windward side of a mountain which are a direct result of spatial characteristics with regard to geography and determine weather patterns. Closer to drinking water, higher elevations automatically favor water supply by gravity while lower ones dictate pumping. Such elevations also connect directly with where treatment plants are sited.? In terms of technology and infrastructures, a urinal has to connect to a sewer or a containment and so forth and cannot be used alone no matter how good.??

In conclusion, functional connections between two or more systems comprise outputs from one system that are inputs for a second or more systems leading to an expected or an unexpected outcome which may be positive or negative.