Monitor water point functionality

Water Point Functionality in mWater
Functional water points
⁠
Total water points
⁠
Points with functionality data
⁠

About this data

The data above come from the public updates provided by over users in over  countries who use the free and open access mWater mobile data platform. Most of these users work for government, NGOs, and academic institutions. Since 2013, mWater has offered free tools for mapping water points and updating them over time. These include:

All of the data in mWater is owned by the organization or user who creates it and mWater does not curate this data. The platform exists to allow governments and other water sector stakeholders to work together on measuring and improving water and sanitation services. 

Definitions

mWater uses a simple, common sense definition for water point functionality that does not require technical expertise. One question is used to assess whether a water point is working as designed or if some failure is impacting performance. The dictionary definition of functional is "working properly." A water point may be working properly but not actually providing water at the time of a visit due to rationing, opening hours, or limited aquifer capacity. The availability or reliability of water should be assessed separately using the other questions in the mWater Standard Functionality Report Form. 


The definitions are:
  • Functional: Water point is in good working condition and regularly provides water according to the specifications in the original design.
  • Partially functional but in need of repair: Water point provides water on a regular basis (possibly in a reduced capacity) but repairs are needed due to some maintenance issue or change in conditions at the site.
  • Not functional: Water point is no longer providing water on a regular basis. This could be due to many problems, including maintenance issues, changes in water availability or quality, or problems with access to the water point.
  • No longer exists: The water point could not be found at the original site, has been de-commissioned, or is damaged beyond repair.
How to assess functionality: Try to determine from local water users whether the water point functions as intended. If possible, perform a quick flow or pumping test to verify functionality. You may need to request special permission to access the water point if you are visiting outside of the opening hours.
Special considerations:
  • Sometimes the water dries up each day. If users are still able to access enough water during the opening hours, you might still report such a water point as functional.
  • If the water point does not provide water at certain times of the year due to scarcity, please address this in the following questions regarding accessibility and reliability.