Practical Action has more than 35 years experience of improving water supply, sanitation and waste management. Practical Action's expertise in water, sanitation and the environment is focused around understanding water priorities from the perspective of poor communities; we therefore take a broad, integrated view of the use of water resources. We currently have a number of water and sanitation projects internationally, in which we aim to use appropriate technology, reduce wastage and build the capacity of local organisations and government institutions.

Practical Action's work on water and sanitation is currently integrated into various technology programmes:

Shelter projects include rooftop water harvesting and sanitation, and building materials enterprises

Food Production projects include water for food security

Energy projects include water-lifting and micro-hydro

Manufacturing and Enterprise projects include water supply and distribution, and latrine emptying

Disaster Mitigation projects address drought and flood security, and water conflict resolution

Transport projects include the transport of water by animal traction and handcarts, for domestic and enterprise use.