Multiple-use approaches to water service delivery can potentially benefit over 1 billion people in rural South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. While multiple-use services cost more than single-use services, they generate more income and benefits for a wider range of poor people, decrease vulnerability through diversified livelihood strategies, effectively reduce poverty, and increase sustainability of services. Intermediate multiple-use services, such as piped systems and hand-dug wells, provide benefits that enable recovery of investments within seven to 22 months.
Annex – Multiple Use Water Services for the Poor: Assessing the State of Knowledge