Central to the supply of water to a community is the Water Services Development Plan of the relevant Water Services Authority, which is required in terms of the Water Services Act. The Water Services Development Plan defines the minimum as well as the desired level of water service for communities, which must be adhered to by a Water Services Provider in its area of jurisdiction. It describes the arrangements for water service provision in an area, both present and future. Water services are also to be provided in accordance with by-laws made in terms of the Water Services Act. Engineers and other decision-makers within a Water Services Authority, and those working for and on behalf of the Water Services Authority should be aware of the social and organizational constraints in the provision of potable water. The issues relating to these constraints must be addressed in the objectives of any water supply the project, keeping in mind that the sanitation arrangements for a communityare Inextricably bound to the process.