RUWASA’s responsibilities are set forth and defined in section 43 of the Water Supply and Sanitation Services Act No. 5 of 2019. In general, RUWASA is responsible for conducting or supervising the implementation of water projects and operations through Community Based Water Supply Organizations (CBWSO) to ensure that water and sanitation services are sustainable. In carrying out this role, RUWASA performs the following activities: -

(i)  Plan, design, construct and supervise rural water supply projects;

(ii) Conduct ground water survey including prospecting and explorations, and undertake drilling operations including water well flushing and pumping test, and rehabilitation of water wells;

(iii) Design and construct dams of different types and carry out geotechnical and soil investigation for dam construction and other civil engineering structures;

(iv) Monitor and evaluate performance of community organizations in relation to rural water supply and sanitation services;

(v) Promote and sensitize rural communities on sanitation, hygiene education and practice as well as protection and conservation of  rural water sources in collaboration with relevant authorities;

(vi) Provide financial and technical support to community organizations for major maintenance of rural water schemes;

(vii) Provide support to community organizations in relation to management, operation and maintenance of rural water supply schemes;

(viii) Advise the Minister on issues related to rural water supply and sanitation; 

(ix) Facilitate participation of communities in the identification, planning, construction and management of rural water and sanitation projects;

(x) Facilitate private sector engagement in the provision of the rural water supply and sanitation services;

(xi) Facilitate training and capacity building to community organisations in financial, technical and management of rural water supply schemes;

(xii) Register and regulate the performance of community organisations according to this Act and Regulations made by the Minister; and 

(xiii) Undertake any other initiative or activity aimed at ensuring the Agency attains its objectives.

RUWASA operates in all villages, districts and regions in Tanzania Mainland with the exception of Dar Es Salaam region which is serviced by DAWASA.  RUWASA has offices at Headquarters in Dodoma, Regional and District levels.

• RUWASA is responsible for providing services in rural and urban areas that are not serviced by Water Authorities.
• Water Authorities are responsible for providing services in urban and / or rural areas as declared by the Minister responsible for the Water Sector.
  
• RUWASA water supply services are provided through Community Based Water Supply Organizations (CBWSOs) where Water Authorities do not apply for one reason or the other.