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.
Browse by resource type
Sustainability Resources
Operating and Maintaining Aqua Privies
Published:
January 1, 1982U.S. Agency for International Development
An aqua privy is an underground watertight vault filled with water that receives excreta and wash water from a drop-pipe, allows solids to settle to the bottom, and discharges effluent to a soakage pit. Maintaining a aqua privy involves keeping the liquid level at the flow line, cleaning the slab...Read more
Maintaining Water Storage Tanks
Published:
January 1, 1982U.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
Published:
January 1, 1982U.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
Published:
January 1, 1982U.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
Published:
January 1, 1982U.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 Household Water Connections
Published:
January 1, 1982U.S. Agency for International Development
Technical note provides direction for operation and maintenance of household water connections.Read more
Operating and Maintaining Hand Pumps
Published:
January 1, 1982U.S. Agency for International Development
Technical note provides direction for proper operation and maintenance of pumping equipment to ensure long-term sustainability.Read more
Don't see what you're looking for? You can search USWP member sites, request a resource, or contact the USWP.