====Caretaker training====
Comprehensive training of local staff is essential since technical installations must be run by operators. While most technical problems can be eliminated or reduced by appropriate design and construction, human aspects which might affect treatment plant operation are more difficult to control. Careful, formal training of caretakers and extensive support, guidance, and supervision in the first years of operation are necessary.
Adequate payment of the local staff is equally important. The caretaker of a rural water supply usually has numerous duties; he is often in charge of treatment plant operation, maintenance of the water distribution system, collection of water taxes, clearing irregularities and complaints, etc. Motivation alone will not keep him on the job; his or her work must be adequately compensated.
The caretaker should be recruited from the local village, he should preferably be settled, married, land owner and well-recognised by the community. Ideally, he should also have some technical skills, however, interest and motivation to run a water supply system are more important criteria for his election. He should show his interest and skills during construction of the treatment plant. However, the future caretaker should preferably not be selected during the construction phase of a project but after assessment of the performance of different candidates during this period by the construction foreman and the design engineer who could then propose qualified candidates to the water committee for election. Each caretaker must also have a deputy who can assume operation of the water supply during his absence for reasons of illness, personal matters or other obligations. However, responsibilities of the different staff must be clearly defined and separately developed for each employee.
====Potential problems====
