Small-scale sanitation and drinking-water supply systems: driving country action towards safer services

Overview

Ensuring access to safe services from small-scale sanitation and drinking-water supply systems is crucial for protecting health. However, such systems face several challenges – including limited policy attention, inadequate regulatory oversight, and financial and technical barriers. The Protocol on Water and Health prioritizes these systems in the pan-European region, and encourages countries to take action. This report draws on national reports, surveys and interviews, showcasing country actions that are progressively addressing challenges. Action on sanitation is found to lag behind action on drinking-water. Many activities reported strengthen the evidence base – a crucial step for guiding targeted improvement action. Further actions focus on raising awareness, building capacity and establishing safe management practices, while there is less action on other areas – such as strengthening regulations, improving data management, strategic planning and financing. These are however critical to the longer-term sustainability and resilience of small-scale systems. Through the Protocol, continued action can be inspired by the examples and success factors presented.