National Water Policy. Country/Territory Malawi Document type Date 2005 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Agricultural & rural development, Energy, Food & nutrition, Fisheries, Water Keyword Water shortage/drought Irrigation Local government Disasters Food security Public participation Gender Poverty Rural youth Hydropower generation Freshwater quality/freshwater pollution Sustainable development Sustainable use Early warning system/emergency intervention system Potable water Capacity building Flood Freshwater resources management Groundwater Navigation Policy/planning Polluter pays principle Pollution control Precautionary principle Public private partnership (PPP) Recreational water use Sewerage Surface water Water abstraction Water conservation zone Water supply Water users' associations Waterworks Well sinking/boreholes Ecosystem preservation Geographical area Africa, AFRICA FAO, Eastern Africa, Landlocked Developing Countries, Least Developed Countries Abstract The overall goal of the National Water Policy is the sustainable management and utilization of water resources, in order to provide water of acceptable quality and of sufficient quantities, and ensure availability of efficient and effective water and sanitation services that satisfy the basic requirements of every Malawian and for the enhancement of the country’s natural ecosystems. Based upon such overall goal, specific policy goals are established in matter of: Water Resources Management and Development; Water Quality and Pollution Control; Urban, Peri-Urban and Market Centres Water Services; Rural Water Services; Agriculture Services; Irrigation Services; Navigation Services; Fisheries; Hydro-Power Generation; Eco-Tourism and Recreation; Forestry; Disaster Management. One of the guiding principles is that all people shall have access to potable water and sanitation services to reduce the incidence of water related diseases. Full text English