The Water Impact Guidebook

Every person on this planet needs water every day and each of us gets it in some way – although it is easier for some than it is for others. Quality water is essential for public health and the health of the environment. In some places, water quality is better than in other places. Poor quality water that makes people sick, or harms the environment prevents people – and countries – from prospering. The challenge of providing reliable water services grows every day as more and more people join us on this planet. How shall we meet these challenges and face these realities? There are so many answers – financial, technical, managerial, political and social. It is probably fair to say that we have often depended too heavily on technical solutions and infrastructure. We are starting to understand that this is not enough. No one solution will make everything work well. The ways in which we manage water sectors or water utilities are a part of the solution – and the skills and motivation of people can make the difference between success and failure. The IMPACT Guidebook is a contribution to the body of knowledge of how to establish, improve and maintain effective organizations – especially those in the water sector, written by people in the Africa and Middle East North Africa regions for people in these regions and elsewhere in the water sector.