The importance of community-based informal water supply systems in the developing world and the need for formal sector support

• Published in: The Geographical journal Vol. 182; no. 1; pp. 85 - 96
• Main Authors: Liddle, Elisabeth S, Mager, Sarah M, Nel, Etienne L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.03.2016; Blackwell Publishing
• Subjects: Cities; Communities; Developing nations; Failure; formal-informal supply; shallow wells; Surface water; Urban areas; water access; Water quality; Water supplies; Water supply; Wells; Zambia; Zambia

Informal community-based supply, characterised by abstractions from surface water and shallow wells, is the main water supply source in the urban areas of developing nations. Formal sector supply has failed to extend their services to many urban areas yet the formal sector continues to view these co...