The work in the area of integrated management of small water supply and sanitation systems aims to of assess problems and health-related risks linked to small water supply systems, taking into account the social and economic aspects. It also aims at sharing information on the management of small and very small water supply systems.

This activity is led by Germany and mostly supported by WHO-EURO, and one of the main achievements under this area is the awareness-raising brochure “Small Scale Water Supplies in the pan-European Region: Background — Challenges — Improvements” developed on basis of conclusions and recommendations from the workshop on water safety in small-scale water supplies held in Bad Elster, Germany, 26–27 November 2008.

The next steps to be undertaken under this core activity are related to the development of policy and guidance documents in the area of small-scale water supplies and sanitation; the improvement of evidence base on the current status of small-scale water supplies in the European region, for example by engaging in inter-country collaboration under the Protocol; support to the application of water safety plans in small-scale water supplies and the development of water and sanitation plans for schools; facilitating the sharing of experience and networking among those responsible for regulating small-scale water supplies and among local decision makers and implementers. The Lead Parties and organizations are also envisaging options for field work.