WASH Cluster – Water in Emergencies
W7
Session Plan
W7 – Medium Term Water Supply Solutions
Timetable
Opening &
Introduction
W1-Water
W2-Water
supply linkages needs pt1
1 hr
30 mins
W6-Meeting
immediate
water needs
W7-Medium
term water
responses
30 mins
45 mins
30 mins
W8-Case study
exercise
W2-Water
needs pt2
W3-Local
regulations
cultural norms
& good practice
45 mins
45 mins
W9 - Water
facilities &
good practice
45 mins
1 hr
W10 –
Operation,
Maintenance
and
Sustainability
2 hours 30
mins
W4-Water
sources,
treatment &
implications
45 mins
W11 –Water
Context
1 hour 15 mins
W5Assessments,
prioritisation,
monitoring
1 hr
W12 – Site
Visit
2 hours 45
mins
Session-at-a-Glance
Session Activities
Approx.
Time
Introduction of medium term water response
solutions
10 mins
Power point presentation
Comparison of advantages and
disadvantages of different water supply and
treatment options.
35 mins
Group discussion, use of
VIPP cards and plenary
feedback.
Total time
Instructional Activity
45 mins
Session Aims

To enable participants to be able to select appropriate water responses for the medium
term and to reinforce the possible impacts of their development
Session Objectives
By the end of the session participants will have improved knowledge of:

The range of medium term solutions for water supply in emergencies

The advantages and disadvantages of a number of short and medium term solutions
Session Materials

Computer and projector

Flip chart and pens

VIPP cards
Key Messages

Understand the differences in possible responses for immediate and medium term

Understand some of the advantages and disadvantages of the different options –
particular emphasis on the O&M and ongoing costs and possible impacts of
development
1
WASH Cluster – Water in Emergencies

W7
Recognise the importance of ensuring agreements reached with government,
landowner and existing and new users before finalising and implementing any water
solution.
Facilitator Guidance
Background reading for facilitator:

Action Contre la Faim (2005) ‘Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Populations at Risk’,
Hermann

Davis, J & Lambert, R (2002, 2nd edition) ‘Engineering in Emergencies, A Practical
Guide for Relief Workers’, IT Publications

MSF (1994) ‘Public Health Engineering in Emergency Situation, A Handbook for
implementing health programmes in deprived environments, in particular in camps
of displaced persons’

Wisner, B & Adams, J (2002) ‘Environmental Health in Emergencies and Disasters, A
practical guide’, WHO
Session plan
Introduction to medium term responses: (10 min)
PP slides 2-7
2. Discuss the point a response would start moving from
immediate response to medium term.
Identify the key benefits of the change.
3-7. Use the PowerPoint slides to introduce the features of
medium term water responses and a few examples.
3&4. Use the examples in the slides, highlight that particular
care should be taken to investigate, discuss and agree with
local communities the following:

Determine if there are any existing conflicts over the use
of the water source

Permission and rights for use for the affected populations
& the local populations

Is there sufficient supply for the affected population & the
local population

Who owns the water source (and who will own it if after
displaced populations leave if a new one)

Who will be responsible for O&M and paying for O&M –
now and in the future?
Session Plan – W7
2
WASH Cluster – Water in Emergencies
-
W7
5&6. Mechanical pumping schemes:

Require a high level of on-going operation and
maintenance – systems for O&M and for on-going costs
should be agreed before the water source is developed &
a formal agreement written and signed

Permission is usually needed from the government to
drill boreholes

Care needed to assess the potential impacts of
boreholes:
change of cattle migration patterns
possible conflicts over access and use
environmental damage
lowering of the water table
7. Private supplies where the owner has a financial benefit
can be more sustainable than community supplies in some
circumstances
–
scattered
communities,
urban
environments, pastoral areas
NB. Do not spend too much time on the examples, as the main part of this session is the
exercise with feedback and discussion
Comparing advantages and disadvantages of different water supply and treatment
options, group exercise: (35 min)
PP slides 8
8. Split the group into 3 smaller groups (max 5 per group)
and allocate two of the given water supply options to each
group.
Ask the groups to identify the advantages & disadvantages
for their two water supply options.
Ask the participants to consider both the immediate and
medium term responses and write the advantages and
disadvantages for both on flip charts / or VIPP cards
(15 min)
Put the flip charts and / or the VIPP cards on the wall
A spokesperson from each group briefly feedbacks on their two options to the plenary and
comments asked from the rest of the group
Session Plan – W7
3
WASH Cluster – Water in Emergencies
W7
(15 min)
In plenary ask the participants what solutions they would choose in their particular
emergency scenario, then which would they prioritise as the best response for immediate &
medium term
(5 min)
The conclusion to this exercise, is the need to be aware of the advantages and
disadvantages of each option, as these will have implications on the appropriateness of the
options for different stages of an emergency
Mention session W10 on O&M and sustainability will provide more information.
Session Plan – W7
4