An elected group of community members, called a Water Committee, is responsible for taking care of each water point. Their job is to collect a maintenance fund and fix minor repairs when they arise. This usually includes parts that experience high levels of wear and require regular replacement such as U-seals, O-rings, bobbins, and bush bearings.
Sometimes, major repairs are needed which the community cannot address on their own. For example, if a water table drops in an area, a well may need to be dug or drilled deeper and re-cased. Or, if a pump head needs to be completely replaced, this can cost thousands of dollars. Repairs like these are usually beyond the community’s ability to address and outside help is needed to get water flowing again. charity: water's relationship with local partners can make maintenance repairs possible.