Training on Sustainable Operation & Maintenance (O&M) for Small Piped Water Schemes
Learn to sustain small piped water schemes with practical skills in preventive maintenance, community-based management, and system troubleshooting for long-term functionality.
Next intake
20 Jul 2026 · Nakuru
Duration
5 days
Live instruction
Delivery
Physical + Virtual
Cohort based
Level
Intermediate
Working professionals
Certification
NITA reimbursable
For Kenyan cohorts
Language
English
All materials
About this programme
This course provides practical and technical guidance on the sustainable operation and maintenance of small piped water supply systems in rural and peri-urban settings. It focuses on enhancing the reliability, functionality, and longevity of water infrastructure through preventive maintenance, community engagement, capacity building, and appropriate technology use. Participants will gain essential skills to troubleshoot systems, ensure accountability in service delivery, and develop context-specific O&M plans.
Duration
5 Days
Who Should Attend
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Water Scheme Operators and Technicians
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Local Government Water Officers
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Community-Based Water Management Committees
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WASH Engineers and Planners
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NGO and Development Agency Staff
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Utility Maintenance Staff
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Infrastructure Monitoring and Support Teams
What you'll walk away with
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Understand the components and functionality of small piped water schemes
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Develop and implement sustainable O&M plans
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Apply preventive and corrective maintenance techniques
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Establish and support community-led O&M structures
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Improve system performance monitoring and service reliability
What we cover, module by module
Module 1: Fundamentals of Small Piped Water Supply Systems
- Introduction to small piped water systems and service delivery models
- Key system components: sources, pumps, pipelines, storage tanks, and distribution networks
- Basics of water quality, pressure control, and flow management
- Regulatory, institutional, and governance frameworks for rural water supply
- Case Study: Managing small piped water systems in rural and peri-urban communities
Module 2: Preventive Maintenance and System Management
- Preventive maintenance principles and inspection procedures
- Maintenance planning for pumps, pipelines, valves, and storage facilities
- Maintenance scheduling, reporting tools, and asset recordkeeping
- Identifying system risks and reducing operational downtime
- Practical Exercise: Develop a preventive maintenance schedule for a water scheme
Module 3: Troubleshooting, Repairs, and Emergency Response
- Diagnosing common operational and technical failures
- Leak detection, pipe repairs, pump troubleshooting, and corrective maintenance
- Spare parts management and strengthening local supply chains
- Emergency preparedness and rapid response planning for breakdowns
- Practical Activity: Hands-on repair simulation and maintenance tool handling
Module 4: Community Management and Financial Sustainability
- Roles and responsibilities in community-managed water systems
- Capacity building for operators, technicians, and water committees
- Tariff setting, financial planning, and cost recovery mechanisms
- Promoting gender equity, inclusion, and community participation in O&M
- Case Study: Sustainable community-based water management models
Module 5: Monitoring, Climate Resilience, and Long-Term Sustainability
- Performance monitoring and reporting systems for water schemes
- Integrating Water Safety Plans and climate resilience measures
- Strengthening local government and stakeholder support mechanisms
- Innovations in digital monitoring and remote reporting technologies
- Final Project: Develop an operation, maintenance, and sustainability plan for a small piped water system
Where the change lands
Organizational Impact
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Enhances long-term functionality and sustainability of water supply projects.
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Reduces risk of system failure and costly rehabilitation through effective O&M.
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Strengthens reputation as a leader in sustainable and community-led water services.
Personal Impact
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Builds in-demand skills for careers in water and development sectors.
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Supports progression into senior management, leadership, or advisory roles.
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Equips participants to lead and champion sustainable water service delivery.
Dates and locations
Upcoming intakes
Every intake is limited to a small cohort. Booking closes when a date fills or three weeks before the start, whichever comes first.
| City | Starts | Ends | Delivery | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
NakuruNext | 20 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Kigali | 20 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Accra | 20 Jul 2026 | 24 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Kisumu | 27 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Johannesburg | 27 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
Dakar | 27 Jul 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | In-Person | Book |
- NakuruNext
20 Jul → 24 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Kigali
20 Jul → 24 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Accra
20 Jul → 24 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Kisumu
27 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Johannesburg
27 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake - Dakar
27 Jul → 31 Jul·In-Person
Book this intake
Common questions.
Still not sure? Send us a note and a facilitator will get back to you within a business day.
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For corporate teams
Training 10+ professionals?
We deliver Training on Sustainable Operation & Maintenance (O&M) for Small Piped Water Schemes in-house at your offices, at a venue we arrange, or fully virtual. Customise the curriculum against your KPIs, and get a bespoke price for the cohort size you need.