Lack of safe and reliable water supply affects more than 800 million people worldwide; over 2.5 billion people lack adequate sanitation services. Globally, this has a major negative impact on human health, environmental sustainability and on economic development. Rapid population growth, urbanisation, climate change, pollution and inadequate financing, present unprecedented challenges to the provision of water and sanitation services.

Improving and managing universal services of water and sanitation in a holistic manner is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and addressing the needs of millions of people around the world. To do so, it must take into account social, economic and environmental factors, while adapting to climate change risks to ensure the resilience of water and sanitation systems.

Partnering with water utilities, national and international institutions, the IWA Water and Sanitation Services programme works to ensure the safe, reliable, equitable and efficient supply and service delivery of water and sanitation. We do this through innovative pilot projects, international frameworks, and advocacy to improve regulation and policy, including the implementation of Water Safety Plans and Sanitation Safety Plans.