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Asian Water Supplies
Reaching the Urban Poor

A Guide and Sourcebook on Urban Water supplies in Asia, for governments, utilities, consultants, development agencies, and non-governmental organisations. So reads the front cover. There is little else by way of written introduction to be found in this extraordinary and colourful book which largely reflects the views and experiences and opinions of one man. He has had 20 years exposure to the water industry throughout Asia. He has also taken and collected a lot of photographs which are used throughout the book. Local colour predominates, and local views alongside grassroot experience informs the recommendations and solutions offered. The book was written by: Arthur C. McIntosh, and was published jointly by the Asian Development Bank and the International Water Association.

The book concentrates on water supplies, and touches on sanitation. The Foreword is provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which employs the writer from time to time. It states: "... there are three voices in this book: that of ADB (based on policy and the findings of regional consultations), the author (based on his more than 20 years experience in Asian water supplies), and other noted authors in the sector (based on papers and publications).... the author analyses the reasons for poor performance of water utilities, proposes some solutions, and concludes that governance and tariffs are at the core of the problems and any possible solutions. When considering governance, the main message is that transparent government policies must come first, followed by independent regulators. Civil society participation is also needed to ensure that policies are implemented.... Regulation based on policies, not contracts, should be developed for both public- and private- operated utilities...."

It is useful to further quote from the foreword provided by the ADB which continues: "... in his examination of tariffs, it is suggested that the great inequalities, which result in the poor subsidising the rich, can only be rectified when consumers pay the full cost of water provision and when the money trail no longer runs through governments. It is surprising to learn, for instance, that in Manila those not connected to a 24-hour piped water supply (mostly the poor) pay around $20 per month for 6 cubic metres of clean water, while those connected (mostly the rich) pay around $4 per month for 30 cubic metres of clean water...."

The book gets underway by presenting a challenging set of myths and misconceptions. The issues raised become the agenda for the rest of the book. The chapter headings of the book are as follows:
The book is completed by three appendicees: City Water Profiles and Summary Findings - this is one of the most valuable sections of the book. 25 pages of text, by city, summarising water resources, policies & regulation, private sector participation, tariffs, service levels, sanitation, stakeholder comments; Case Studies - another valuable section of the book. 20 pages examing the performance and operations of a dozen water utilities in various Asian cities. Comparing water system type, administration, issues, and containing stakeholder commentary; Examples of Small-Scale Water Providers. There is a list of references. The A4 format soft cover back book runs to 200 pages.

The papers are liberally illustrated with graphs and tables and photographs. The photos are especially worthy of praise. They convey the social richness and context where water industry is in operation. Page layout is wonderful. When I couldn't find this book to review, I eventually discovered it on the coffee table. Better than a reference, more of an inspirational insight.

I recommend this book to any water supply policy analyst and consultant - whether working in developing world or first world countries. The writing and summary is spare, terse, and packed with experience. Not a theoretical tome. But a richly human and constructive contribution to the world and community debate about the economy of water.

Asian Water Supplies was published in 2003 by the Asian Development Bank.
The isbn is 971-561-380-2 (soft cover).
It was copublished with International Water Association (IWA) Publishing.
Email - publishing@iwap.co.uk

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