‘Richard Carter has written a most valuable and detailed account of rural water supply which covers a wide range of subjects and contains a huge list of valuable references. It should find its way and be read by a large number of people who are studying, working or linked to this important discipline.’
Peter Morgan, Consultant and Stockholm Water Prize Winner

‘This book is simply excellent – for those starting out, for those wanting to know more, and for those who have been in the sector for years. I appreciate it for its pragmatism, for being comprehensive, providing incredible detail as well as history, and looking into the future. To quote the author “There is still a long way to go to achieve basic, on premises and safely managed services”. I believe that this book will become a classic, a resource and reference for those striving to improve rural community water supplies - for everyone, everywhere.’
Dr Kerstin Danert, Ask for Water GmbH, Switzerland

This book is a significant resource for anyone working in the rural water sector in the run up to the SDG target date of 2030. It is truly impressive in scope and helps to debunk some of the myths around rural water provision, as well as reclaiming approaches that some see as being written off too easily in the past. The historic perspective of the book reflects Richard’s long involvement in - and passion for - improving water services for rural people around the world and serves to remind us that some lessons are timeless. Finally, the author’s human spirit shines through as he consistently puts people and power dynamics at the heart of proposed solutions, as much as engineering and money.
Harold Lockwood, Director, Aguaconsult UK

‘Richard Carter has created an impressive resource for all those committed to improving the lives of rural dwellers. He's brought together an extraordinary amount of information, brought it up to date, and presented it in a well-organized, actionable form. Everything is clearly explained, and new evidence is integrated with well-established science. The emphasis on practical steps to achieve progressive improvement of rural water supply systems is valuable for both the practitioner and the policy maker.’
Clarissa Brocklehurst, Gillings School of Global Public Health; Water Institute at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; former WASH Chief, UNICEF New York

‘This book is a “must read” for those interested in Rural water supply. It is not only a much needed update on technologies since “The handpump option” (Worldbank 1987) but also gives a wealth of experiences in non-technical aspects to make rural water supply sustainable. Improving access in rural areas is not only about reaching SDG6.1 but it also contributes to water related SDG’s concerning income, food and employment.’
Henk Holtslag, WASH specialist

‘An authoritative and multidisciplinary review of the historical performance and future prospects to address the enduring global challenge of delivering drinking water to rural people.’
Professor Rob Hope, University of Oxford

‘This book is a mine and a wealth of resources for professionals, students and adherents of rural water supply. Against a historical context, Prof Carter outlines the practical steps needed to improve rural water supply for rural people in low and middle income countries. In the words of Nelson Mandela “a nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens but its lowest ones”. Prof Carter expounds this by bringing out the latest, proven and best practices available in rural water supply from the perspective of the poorest communities in rural areas.’
Javan Nkhosi, water engineer, consultant, and author, Zambia

Richard C Carter
Richard Carter has forty years’ experience in international development, focusing on the evaluation, development and management of water and sanitation in low-income countries. He is Director of Richard Carter and Associates Ltd, Senior Research Associate of the Overseas Development Institute, London, and Visiting Professor, Cranfield University.