About the Water Department

The Water Department in a District Local Government in Uganda is fundamental to ensuring access to safe water, promoting improved sanitation, and managing water resources sustainably across the district. Headed by the District Water Officer (DWO), this department is at the forefront of implementing the national goals of providing clean water and sanitation to all Ugandans, particularly in rural and small urban areas not covered by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC.   

The department's mission is to enhance the quality of life by ensuring the availability of adequate, safe, and accessible water for domestic use, as well as for production (agriculture, livestock, and small industries). It operates within the framework of the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) policies, the Water Act, and the Local Governments Act, emphasizing community participation and ownership of water facilities.

Key functions of the Water Department include:

·        Rural Water Supply Development: Planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of new safe water sources such as boreholes (deep and shallow wells), protected springs, and small-scale piped water schemes in rural communities. This includes conducting hydrogeological surveys for proper siting of facilities.

·        Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of Water Facilities: Supporting the establishment and strengthening of community-based management structures (e.g., Water and Sanitation Committees - WSCs, or Water User Associations) for the sustainable operation and maintenance of rural water points. This often involves providing training, tools, and technical backstopping.   

·        Water for Production: Promoting and facilitating the development of water resources for productive uses, including irrigation schemes, valley tanks for livestock, and water for aquaculture and rural industries, to boost agricultural productivity and local livelihoods.

·        Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion (WASH): Working closely with the Health and Community Based Services departments to promote improved household sanitation (e.g., latrine coverage) and hygiene practices, especially handwashing with soap, as part of comprehensive Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs.

·        Water Quality Monitoring: Conducting regular water quality surveillance and testing of water sources to ensure they meet national drinking water standards and are safe for human consumption. This includes responding to contamination incidents.

·        Catchment Protection and Water Source Management: Implementing measures to protect water sources (e.g., spring protection, catchment area management for piped schemes) from pollution and degradation, ensuring the long-term sustainability of water supply.

·        Technical Supervision and Quality Assurance: Providing professional engineering and technical oversight for all water infrastructure projects within the district, whether implemented directly or by partners, ensuring adherence to design specifications and quality standards.

·        Data Collection, Monitoring, and Reporting: Collecting and maintaining comprehensive data on water sources, coverage, functionality, and sanitation indicators. This information is crucial for planning, evaluating progress, and reporting to the District Council and the Ministry of Water and Environment.

·        Coordination and Partnership: Liaising with the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Directorate of Water Development (DWD), Umbrella Authorities, NGOs, CBOs, and other development partners involved in the water sector to harmonize efforts, mobilize resources, and avoid duplication.

·        Capacity Building: Training district staff, sub-county personnel, and community water management structures on technical and managerial aspects of water supply, hygiene and sanitation.

The Water Department, often working closely with the Natural Resources Department (especially on environmental aspects) and the Works Department (on infrastructure construction), is vital for improving public health, reducing poverty, and contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the district.