Exploring the Drivers of Rural Water Supply Sustainability in Chile: A Semiquantitative Modeling Approach

Our study applies a semiquantitative modeling approach to explore the interconnected factors that impact rural water supply sustainability in Chile. We engaged 36 Chilean water experts through two online surveys and a focus group to map and interpret interactions among factors affecting water services. Using structural factor analysis, semiquantitative system dynamics, and qualitative network modeling, we evaluated scenarios to identify interventions most likely to improve water service functionality. Study findings highlight the importance of minimizing operation costs to enable effective operation and maintenance by community water organizations (CWOs), which is best achieved through well‐designed, high‐quality infrastructure supported by national standards and adequate resources. The study findings also underscore the feedback between CWOs and government agencies, recommending policies to strengthen CWO training, resources, and monitoring, while formalizing communication with local authorities. These results demonstrate the value of this modeling approach for identifying systemic solutions to rural water challenges and its potential applicability in other regional contexts.