The risks of a technology-based MDG indicator for rural water supply

The MDG indicator for access to safe water equates technology with water quality based largely on designed rather than observed capacity to block routes of faecal contamination. This is a useful driver for donor and government investment in rural water supply, but breeds donor dependency as generally accepted technologies are unaffordable to consumers. Sparse data on water quality suggest a need for greater data collection and more objective assessment of the real improvements being achieved for the donor-dependent investments being made, which are leading to very slow rates of progress. Broadening technology options to include progressively improved household access and water treatment may increase rates of progress, and cost-effectiveness and improve the lot of many more consumers without jeopardising water quality.