Institutional framework of small community   water supply systems in the United States : a review of   experiences and lessons for developing countries

Tamm, Gordon

Institutional framework of small community water supply systems in the United States : a review of experiences and lessons for developing countries

Tamm, Gordon

This paper examines rural water supply systems (RWS) in the United States and evaluates the relevance of findings for developing countries. It focuses on the institutional and regulatory framework that governs RWS in the U.S. by examining the organizational and procedural characteristics of national and regional institutions, such as the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) and the Rural Water Association and its state affiliates. The working relationship between these institutions and community associations is also discussed and illustrated by data from field observations. Issues addressed include financial and technical management and extension and training services. The paper singles out the following as the most conspicuously effective features of the United States' RWS experience: 1) the local initiative and community mobilization required for the formation of a local RWS system for funding by the FmHA; and 2) the circuit-rider system for providing RWS systems with professional expertise, as developed and executed by the Oklahoma Rural Water Association. Insights gained from the United States' experience are then considered from a developing country perspective. The paper concludes by drawing on specific parallels and differences between the developed and developing country contexts to propose a model for a RWS demonstration program suited to a development setting.

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