Small community water supply management
24–26 January 2005, Iceland
Overview
A number of developed and developing countries have identified small community water supplies as an issue critical to both development and health, and requiring further attention if the water-related Millennium Development Goals are to be met. The MDGs focus on developing countries; but even in the developed world, small community supplies are those most liable to contamination and breakdown, and hence pose a consistent health risk. WHO is therefore considering how to assist Member States in the operation and management of small supplies, particularly in rural or remote areas.
The meeting held in Reykjavik, Iceland, from 24-26 January 2005 reviewed a number of technical and management approaches being taken in respect of small community supplies in countries at differing levels of development. It established the general context in which work on small supplies needs to be carried out, and outlined a series of Key Principles. A draft plan of action, to be further discussed at a follow-up meeting being held in Alice Springs, Australia, from 18-22 July 2005, was drawn up.
WHO is most grateful to Samorka, the Federation of Icelandic Energy and Waterworks, and to Reykjavik Energy, for hosting this meeting and supporting the costs of participants from developing countries.