Community-Driven Water and Sanitation Planning

Access to clean water and adequate sanitation remains one of the most critical global development challenges. This course provides the foundational knowledge necessary to plan, implement, and manage essential infrastructure systems where resources are limited. By the end of this course, you will understand the full project lifecycle, from initial community engagement and needs assessment through to technical design considerations, operational management, and establishing equitable, usage-based financial models that ensure long-term viability. What you'll learn: * Learn the principles of integrated water resource management and basic sanitation systems. * Understand current global standards, including sustainability goals and climate resilience planning. * Practice conducting thorough community needs assessments and site suitability analyses. * Design appropriate technologies for water supply (e.g., public taps, boreholes) and basic sanitation infrastructure. * Apply modern financial modeling techniques for cost recovery and equitable, usage-based tariff setting. * Configure simple monitoring frameworks to track performance and ensure system longevity. The curriculum begins with defining key terminology and policy frameworks, then progresses through planning steps, project implementation methods, and strategies for community management and financial sustainability. This course is designed for beginners interested in urban planning, civil engineering, public health, and international development. No prior experience in infrastructure design or policy is required. Start building the skills needed to make a tangible impact on global public health today.