Making Water Work: Financing and Delivering Lasting WASH Service

​Event Description

Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is foundational to health, education, and livelihoods, yet many WASH solutions struggle to deliver reliable, long-term services. The challenge is not just technology or funding, but how to build systems that can sustain delivery over time.

This discussion explores how to design and finance WASH systems that actually work in practice. What does it take to move from pilots and infrastructure projects to durable public services, especially in low and middle income contexts? How do partnerships between governments, enterprises, and communities shape success?

We will examine a range of approaches, from safe drinking water enterprises and public-private partnerships to innovative financing models, including blended finance and working capital solutions. The session will also highlight the often overlooked barriers, such as cash flow gaps, weak financial markets, and misaligned incentives, that prevent effective models from growing.

Grounded in real-world experience, this conversation will look at how to align technology, finance, and systems thinking to ensure that water services are not just built, but maintained, trusted, and accessible for all.

Speakers

• ​Bryony Stentiford is Global Director of Business Development at IRC WASH, working across partnerships and strategy in water, sanitation, and hygiene.

• ​Pierre-André Terisse is CEO of 1001fontaines, advancing purpose-led entrepreneurship in water access.

• ​Greg Bixler is CEO and Co-founder of Design Outreach, advancing engineering solutions to reduce poverty and expand access to essential services.

​Discussion Questions
What are the biggest barriers to delivering reliable, long-term WASH services, and how can they be addressed?
How can financing models better support enterprises and organizations providing water and sanitation services?
What role do partnerships between governments, businesses, and communities play in sustaining WASH systems?
How can we ensure that WASH solutions are equitable, resilient, and responsive to local contexts?