Water Sanitation and Health
Our vision and mission are the attainment by all peoples of the lowest possible burden of water and sanitation-related disease through primary prevention.

Water safety and quality

Water safety and quality are fundamental to human development and well-being. Providing access to safe water is one of the most effective instruments in promoting health and reducing poverty.


As the international authority on public health and water quality, WHO leads global efforts to prevent transmission of waterborne disease. This is achieved by promoting health-based regulations to governments and working with partners to promote effective risk management practices to water suppliers, communities and households.

Highlights

Compendium of drinking-water systems and technologies from source to consumer

Safe and reliable drinking-water supply depends on effective risk management, appropriate regulation and support, and well-informed technology selection....

Guidelines for drinking-water quality: small water supplies

Small drinking-water supplies commonly experience operational, managerial, technical and resourcing challenges that impact their ability to deliver safe...

Guidelines for drinking-water quality: fourth edition incorporating the first and second addenda

The fourth edition incorporating the first and second addenda, of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Guidelines for drinking-water quality (GDWQ)...

Documents

wsp training package cover
This training package provides practical, step-by-step guidance to support the development and sustainable implementation of water safety plans (WSPs)...

Other relevant publications

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Management of cyanobacteria in drinking-water supplies: information for regulators and water suppliers, 2nd ed

This technical brief provides general information on the management of cyanobacteria in drinking-water supplies to help regulators and water suppliers...

Water safety plan manual: step-by-step risk management for drinking-water suppliers, second edition

This Water safety plan manual provides practical guidance to support development and implementation of water safety planning in accordance with the principles...

State of the world's drinking water: An urgent call to action to accelerate progress on ensuring safe drinking water for all

This report, presents the data on the links between water, health and development and the status of drinking water, with actionable recommendations to...