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

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...

Other relevant publications

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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...

Lead in drinking-water: Health risks, monitoring and corrective actions

Lead is a priority chemical hazard that should be included in national drinking-water quality standards and monitored as part of drinking-water quality...

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)...

Management of radioactivity in drinking-water

Chapter 9 of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality (GDWQ) provides guidance related to radiological aspects of drinking-water.  Management...

Climate-resilient water safety plans: managing health risks associated with climate variability and change

Long-term planning for an adequate and safe supply of drinking-water should be set in the context of growing external uncertainties arising from changes...

Fact sheets

Drinking-water

13 September 2023