This study examines experiences with using the private sector to manage domestic water supplies serving dispersed populations or very small settlements in rural areas. The potential contribution from private operators is well-known for small towns. The unanswered
question is whether private operators are an option for more remote rural areas with low population density. This review therefore focused on operations that: Serve dispersed populations or settlements with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants in rural areas; Have been undertaken on a significant scale; and Engage individuals or for-profit organizations to manage water supplies.