Unless being adequately processed, the surface water in Ethiopia is not suitable for drinking and poses considerable health risks for the whole population – in fact more than 80 % of contagious diseases originate from the contaminated water. Polluted surface water should only be used as a service water, for irrigation and for domestic animals. The aim of this project is to secure equal access for all the inhabitants of the selected areas to safe and affordable drinking water as well as to satisfactory sanitation and hygienic facilities. Next to the provision of drinking water resources, the project interventions also focus on the improvement of their management, of inventorization and of technical capacities of the local authorities as well as waterworks companies.