The Multiple Use Systems (MUS)
Multiple Use Systems
This approach understands that in some cases a variety of water sources allow for multiple livelihood activities to take place. There is an emphasis on the importance of taking people's uses of water as a starting point for providing water services.
MU requires the participation of local communities in the process of identifying their water needs. The consideration of the different Water sources and technologies available to exploit them, should then take place in consultation with the community.
Multiple use approach thus requires:
- Assessing the range of water needs in collaboration with end users;
- examining the water sources available- from RWH to waste water to piped systems;
- Matching water supplies to needs based on the quantity, quality and reliability required for various purposes;
- Establishing the linkages between the various institutions ranging across community, ward, regional, provincial and national levels.
With these activities taking place in consultation with the recipients the aim is to generate ideas as to which interventions would benefit them.