Who we are

The Multiple-Use water Services (MUS) Group is a network of some 19 core organisations and over 600 individuals. The Group has been operating since 2003 as the platform for learning, synthesis, and joint advocacy around MUS. It brings together people from a wide range of disciplines and countries. The variety of actors - researchers, practitioners, funders - creates a multidimensional view of multiple-use water services and what it will take to scale up the approach. The MUS Group secretariat comprises a coordinator and secretary. The Group is guided by a Steering Committee elected by the core members.

Multiple-use water services meet people’s domestic and productive needs while making the most efficient use of water resources—taking into account different water sources and their quality, quantity, reliability and distance from point of use. A MUS approach can be used to plan a new water service or to upgrade existing domestic or irrigation services. This is a systematic approach that can be scaled up.

The briefing note below compiled by the MUS Group sets out the benefits and requirements of multiple use water services.

What we do

The Group supports its members by keeping them abreast of the latest developments in MUS. It works to: synthesise findings and create a strong evidence base; harness collective experience and diverse skills in developing tools and methodologies for scaling up the approach; and provide focus, content and coordination to maximise the impact from advocacy efforts.

Some specific areas of work include:

• The website collects evidence, tools, and best practice from around the world. Currently the site contains over 200 case studies from over 30 countries. It also features guidelines, advocacy materials and a toolkit for implementing MUS.
• Regular meetings bring members together to advance understanding of issues critical to implementing and scaling up multiple-use services. In meetings and throughout the year members collaborate on key pieces of work such as refining tools and methodologies, agreeing on definitions and indicators, and synthesising findings.
• Seminars at high-profile events enable researchers and practitioners to share what they’re learning as well as expose a wider audience to new thinking and emerging evidence.
• Publications such as Guidelines for planning and providing multiple-use services, a state-of-the-art handbook, assemble learning and experience from many different members.

How to join

MUS Group members are at the forefront of a growing movement—the approach is beginning to gain traction in the sector, the examples of its practical application are increasing, and the evidence base is firming up. To share in many of the benefits of MUS Group membership, all you have to do is sign up to the MUS Group D-Group. You will also receive regular newsletters, special announcements about new publications, events and Group meetings.

Funding

The MUS Group is funded for specific activities. In the past, it has received such support from the Challenge Program Water and Food, FAO, IFAD, Rockefeller Foundation and the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council.  

More information is available in the MUS brochure which can be downloaded below.