Standard Requirements
Assess water needs and resources
Identify and assess water sources considering quantity, quality, reliability, and accessibility for the affected population.
Assessment should include mapping of existing water sources, estimation of current and projected population numbers, understanding of seasonal variations, and identification of potential contamination risks. Engage community members, especially women and marginalized groups, in the assessment process to ensure equitable access.
Ensure minimum water quantity
Provide at least 15 litres of water per person per day for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene at the household level.
The minimum figure of 15 litres per person per day is a survival-level allocation. In contexts where climate conditions are extreme, populations include many people with medical needs, or cooking requires significant water, higher quantities — up to 20 litres per person per day — should be targeted. Monitor actual consumption patterns and adjust allocation as needed.
Ensure proximity of water points
Locate water collection points within 500 metres of all households, with queuing time not exceeding 30 minutes.
Distance and queuing time are critical barriers, particularly for women and girls who are typically responsible for water collection. Excessive distances increase protection risks and time burdens. Use population density data and settlement mapping to optimally position water points. Consider topography, security conditions, and physical accessibility for people with mobility limitations.
Ensure water quality at point of use
Treat and protect water to meet quality standards at the point of consumption, with free residual chlorine of 0.2–0.5 mg/l for piped supplies.
Water quality must be ensured from source to mouth. This includes treatment at the source, safe transport and storage, and household-level treatment when necessary. Regular testing for faecal coliforms (target: 0 CFU/100ml at point of delivery) and turbidity (target: below 5 NTU) should be conducted. In epidemic situations, increase chlorine residual targets to 0.5 mg/l at point of delivery.
Maintain and manage water systems
Establish operation and maintenance systems with community participation, ensuring sustainability and accountability.
Develop clear management structures for water points and supply systems. Train local operators, establish spare parts supply chains, and set up monitoring mechanisms. Ensure inclusive governance with representation of women, elderly, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. Plan for phased transition from emergency to longer-term water supply management.
The minimum requirement of 15 litres per person per day covers survival needs. Actual needs vary significantly based on:
- Climate and temperature — hot or arid environments require higher allocations
- Physical activity levels, particularly in camp settings where people may have to walk long distances
- Individual health conditions including HIV/AIDS, diarrhoeal disease, and breastfeeding
- Cultural practices around hygiene and food preparation
Where possible, aim for 20 litres per person per day within the first weeks and increase to cover full domestic needs as the situation stabilises.
Microbiological quality is the most important aspect. Water that is clear (turbidity < 5 NTU) and contains adequate free residual chlorine is generally safe. Key considerations include:
- Chlorination is the preferred treatment in emergencies due to residual protection
- Household water treatment (e.g. ceramic filters, solar disinfection) can supplement centralised treatment
- Chemical contamination, including arsenic and fluoride, must be assessed in groundwater sources
During disease outbreaks, increase monitoring frequency and consider point-of-use treatment distribution.
Equitable access means that all population groups can use water facilities safely and with dignity. Pay particular attention to:
- Accessibility for persons with physical disabilities — ramps, adapted tap heights, and accessible latrines near water points
- Safety for women and girls — lighting at water points, community policing, and feedback mechanisms
- Avoiding ethnic, social, or economic discrimination in water point placement
- Needs of elderly people and unaccompanied minors who may not be able to carry heavy containers
Urban water supply in emergencies presents unique challenges due to dependence on existing infrastructure. Key considerations:
- Engage with municipal water utilities early, even when systems are damaged
- Rehabilitate existing infrastructure where possible rather than building parallel systems
- Address informal settlements that may not be connected to municipal supply
- Coordinate with solid waste and sanitation services to prevent contamination of water supply lines
Water sourcing must consider long-term environmental impacts:
- Avoid over-extraction from aquifers — monitor water table levels and recharge rates
- Protect surface water sources from upstream contamination through buffer zones
- Consider the water needs of host communities and pastoral populations who rely on the same sources
- Plan for the dry season — diversify sources and include water storage capacity in system design
Extended Resources & Tools
Community-contributed and continuously updated content extending the core standard.
Case Study
Rapid scale-up of water supply in the Kutupalong mega-camp served over 600,000 Rohingya refugees, employing solar-powered borehole networks and community-managed distribution points.
The WASH Sector in Cox's Bazar established over 8,000 water points across 34 camps in one of the largest refugee emergencies in history. Key innovations included: geospatial mapping of water point coverage to identify gaps; solar-powered deep tubewells providing water to networks of tapstands; integration of water quality surveillance through a unified WASH sector monitoring framework; and involvement of Rohingya volunteers in water point management and hygiene promotion.
Lessons learned emphasised the importance of rapid coordination between agencies, the value of pre-positioning emergency water treatment units, and the need for systematic groundwater assessment to prevent aquifer depletion in high-density camp settings.
Innovations
Water Needs Calculator
Additional Guidance
Micro-Learning Module
Complete a 3-step module on water supply assessment and planning fundamentals.
Step 1: Understanding Water Needs
The Sphere minimum standard for water quantity is 15 litres per person per day. This baseline covers drinking (2.5–3L), cooking (3–6L), and personal hygiene (6–7L). In hot climates or for vulnerable populations, aim higher.
Quick Check: What is the Sphere minimum water quantity?
Step 2: Source Assessment
Effective water supply begins with thorough source assessment. Evaluate groundwater (boreholes, springs), surface water (rivers, lakes), and rainwater. Each source has different treatment needs, reliability profiles, and sustainability considerations.
Quick Check: Which requires the least treatment?
Step 3: Distribution Planning
Water points must be within 500 metres of all households with queuing time under 30 minutes. No more than 250 people should share a single water point. Use mapping tools to plan placement and ensure equitable coverage across the settlement.
Quick Check: Max distance to a water point?
Module Complete!
You've completed the Water Supply Assessment fundamentals module.
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