An improved water source should provide water in sufficient quantity and drinking water quality throughout the year. While this is the ideal situation, the reality in many rural areas is different. Many water sources are either non-functional or working below their level of efficiency.

According to the Water and Environment Sector Performance Report 2019 rural water functionality has stagnated at 85%. Poor functionality is attributed to a number of factors including; weak capacity of communities to manage their water sources, insufficient institutional support mechanism, lack of readily available funds, quality repair services and spare parts. There is a popular misconception to 'use until it breaks down' despite the availability of evidence that points to the importance of preventive maintenance in ensuring reliable water supply and saving money.

To this end, SNV in Uganda is implementing the three-year project, 'Improving Water Supply Sustainability (IWAS) Phase II' in Northern Uganda, with Austrian Development Agency (ADA) funding.

Started in January 2019 after the successful completion of Phase I (December 2014-December 2017), Phase II covers four districts within the Lango sub-region (Lira, Alebtong, Dokolo and Kole) and aims to contribute to the improved functionality of 850 rural water sources thereby giving 212,500 rural people uninterrupted access to sustainable safe water supply.