CAN SMALL TOWNS SUSTAIN THEIR OWN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESNT

Community-managed water supply systems are essential for providing sustainable water access in small towns, particularly in regions with limited centralized infrastructure.However,their long term sustainability is influenced by governance structures, financial viability, and user satisfaction. This review paperassesses these factors by systematically reviewing thestudies.Following PRISMA guidelines, 40 studies were selected after ensuring the inclusion criteria for the initially identified 1350 studies. Data extractionfocused on governance systems, financial mechanisms, and user satisfaction withintheidentifiedwater supply system.The findings indicate that the water supply systems sustainability relies on uninterrupted funding through a cost recovery mechanism and outside support. Enhancing water governance and developing effective financial policies, as well as encouraging community involvement, will lead to improved water system resilience. Accountable governance, transparent service,and granting decision-making power to the community people create user satisfaction, stimulate fund collection for operational and maintenance of the service, which leads tothe success of the water supply system. Policymakers in the development sector,during the design and planning of future projects,need to prioritize these elements for the sustainability of water supply projects.Longitudinal time-based and in-depth research across geographical areas is required to develop a resilience model for sustainable water supply.The research findings provide useful recommendations for enhancingdecentralized water supply systems throughout the world.