Welthungerhilfe employs a simple binary approach to define water point functionality based on three questions
Q1
Is the water point physically working and producing some water at the time of the survey visit?
A1 yes/no
Q2
Yield snapshot: Does the water point provide the sufficient minimum design yield of 10 L/min at the time of the survey visit?
A2 yes/no
Q3
Use: Is the water point used and does the water point provide a reliable yield (meeting criteria 1 and 2 above) year round (less than 30 days downtime in the previous 12 months)?
A3 yes/no/don’t know; please interview people close by or in the neighboring community
Only the combination yes/yes/yes is rated as “functional”.
Data should be collected at least as baseline and endline. It is recommended that the indicator is monitored regularly by water authorities or other M&E missions after the water supply system has been newly contructed or rehabilitated.
What activities should the indicator be used for?
This indicator is especially recommended i) for projects applying WASH systems strengthening approaches in rural areas and are providing access to water on scale ii) ex-post assessments and iii) in projects where the impact/outcome of capacity development of water service providers and water authorities is to be assessed indirectly through the improved management of water supply systems.
