Abstract
The nature of an emergency response and the evolution of the humanitarian situation represent a diverse and uncertain environment. Traditionally the approach to post-emergency development has led to a gap in knowledge and understanding at the point of transfer of responsibilities from relief to development. It has been proposed that recovering communities offer potential for development beyond the emergency. There existed no significant guidance for community water supply in post-emergency environments. Decision making was seen to be an intuitive process. This approach was seen to lead to the selection of inappropriate water supply systems for post-emergency communities. It was hypothesised that a logical and systematic evaluation of an emergency situation against criteria for an appropriate water supply would aid decision-makers in the establishment of a lasting solution for recovering disaster-affected populations. A comprehensive understanding of emergency and post-emergency situations was developed from significant overseas field research and discussion with humanitarian field staff. A critical and detailed evaluation of water treatment and supply processes was developed from an extensive review of literature and expanded though elicitation of expertise on advanced water treatment systems. The framework was developed as a method to relate situational factors with the characteristics of an appropriate water supply. The justified, three-part framework has considerable application in a wide range of situations. It is supported by field application and critical review by experts with extensive humanitarian experience. The guidance framework meets the overall purpose of the research; to produce a verified tool to support decision making for the identification of long term water treatment and supply options for post-emergency situations. The developed framework is unique and has significant importance for decision-makers considering the requirements for a sustainable water supply system for a recovering post-emergency community.