Neighborhood consensus
Local interest groups must put aside differences and explicitly endorse the idea of a fee-based service. Residents must also be willing to protect water equipment and workers who enter the neighborhood.

Trusted intermediaries
Both technical and political skills are needed to help bridge differences between neighborhood factions and build a relationship with the water provider. This function is often performed best by non-governmental organizations specialized in municipal development.

A gradual approach
In the poorest areas, it can be unrealistic to install in-house water connections initially. Intermediate services, such as shared standpoints or backyard taps, can pave the way to future expansion while reinforcing a payment culture.

Flexible financing
Water sector laws and regulations must allow for alternative financing arrangements, such as service-for-labor swaps or prorated connection fees.

Enforcement powers
Water providers must be authorized to cut off users who refuse to pay. Otherwise the financial incentive to expand the network will disappear and delinquent accounts will increase.

Property rights
People are more likely to support a fee-based water service and protect infrastructure if they legally own the land they live on. Some water projects begin by "regularizing" the legal status of squatters.