Development of a GIS and Remote Sensing based Integrated Decision Support Tool for Water Resources, Environmental Sustainability, and Validation of Safe Water Stations Siting - Spring

Advisor: Shadan Azali 

Many drinking water projects in developing countries fail, with failure rates in some regions reaching nearly 80%. These failures often result from inadequate planning, poor management, and a lack of long-term sustainability considerations. In response, development organizations increasingly emphasize project designs that incorporate economic, social, and environmental sustainability to improve the long-term success of water supply initiatives.

Since 2006, Safe Water Network, a non-profit organization, has worked to address this challenge by establishing small, community-based water treatment systems in Ghana and India. Their approach focuses on combining community participation with financially sustainable operating models to ensure reliable access to safe drinking water. To further enhance their project planning and environmental sustainability practices, Safe Water Network partnered with a workshop team to investigate several key areas related to water treatment project development.

The team focused on four primary areas: water safety and security planning, groundwater source depletion mitigation, reverse osmosis (RO) waste management, and the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) data and tools. Throughout the semester, the team conducted literature reviews and examined case studies related to groundwater depletion and RO waste management. They also gathered and summarized examples of water safety and security plans developed by both governmental and non-governmental organizations.

In addition, the team compiled relevant GIS data resources and demonstrated potential applications of GIS for water treatment project site selection and project management in Andhra Pradesh, India. Based on this research, several recommendations were developed to help Safe Water Network strengthen the environmental sustainability and overall effectiveness of its water treatment projects. By utilizing these resources and implementing the recommended strategies, the organization can improve project planning, management, and long-term success.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone Workshop.