WHO and UNICEF Report on Household Drinking Water and Sanitation

The WHO and UNICEF Report on Household Drinking Water and Sanitation highlights global progress, challenges, and the urgent need for safe water and sanitation access for all.

Table of Contents

Context: WHO and UNICEF launched “Progress on Household Drinking Water and Sanitation 2000–2024: special focus on inequalities” during World Water Week 2025.

WHO and UNICEF Report on Household Drinking Water and Sanitation

Global Situation

2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water.
696 million people have no basic drinking water service at all.
Vulnerable groups most affected:
- People in low-income countries.
- Populations in fragile contexts/conflict zones.
- Rural communities.
- Children
- Minority, ethnic, and indigenous groups.

India’s Status

34 million people in India still lack basic drinking water.
Since 2015, India has seen a significant improvement in safely managed drinking water coverage (at least +10%)
However, there are state-wise disparities:
- High coverage: Sikkim (96%).
- Low coverage: Odisha (29%).
Rural areas continue to lag behind urban areas in access.

Positive Trends

Since 2015, 961 million people worldwide gained access to safely managed drinking water.
Coverage rose from 68% to 74%.
270 million fewer people now lack safely managed drinking water.