Technologies that allow rural water system performance to be tracked and managed
remotely are becoming increasingly relevant as delivery models that share operational
and administrative responsibilities among public and private stakeholders begin to be
explored. Water Missions International is utilising one such technology to monitor rural
water supply systems implemented under its “TradeWater” private service delivery
programme. The LIFELINK system developed by Grundfos is an automated water
distribution point that is integrated with a secure payment facility and real-time GSM
monitoring system. The LIFELINK system encourages accountability and transparency
while allowing an extensive amount of water use data to be collected and used to
develop water businesses.
This study sought to summarise LIFELINK monitoring data available to date for
TradeWater operations in Uganda and Malawi. Particular focus was given to the
accuracy and reliability of on-going household penetration, water usage, and
consumption expenditure estimates that can be obtained with this data. The study also
sought to explain how this data can be used to evaluate performance of rural water
supply systems and adapt management strategies.