Data gaps in evidence-based research on small water enterprises in developing countries.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Water Management

Background:

• Small water enterprises (SWEs) are crucial community-level water providers globally.
• They operate outside traditional piped systems, serving populations in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the existing literature on SWEs.
• To evaluate previous studies and identify gaps in the evidence base regarding their role in potable water provision.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on SWEs.
• Exclusion of piped water systems and point-of-use products from the assessment.

Main Results:

• SWEs offer benefits such as no upfront connection fees, flexibility, and service to large populations cost-effectively.
• Disadvantages include higher per-unit costs, lack of regulation and water quality monitoring, and potential conflicts or extortion.

Conclusions:

• No rigorous, evidence-based scientific studies were identified that rigorously examine the effectiveness of SWEs in providing potable water.
• Further research is needed to validate the role and impact of SWEs on safe water access.