Abstract

<p>Access to safe and reliably managed drinking water remains a critical global challenge, impacting the lives of 2.2 billion people worldwide who lack this basic necessity within their homes (WHO/UNICEF, 2019). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines safe drinking water as water possessing microbial, chemical, and physical attributes that align with established guidelines or national standards for drinking water quality (WHO/UNICEF, 2019). To qualify as "safely managed," drinking water must fulfill specific criteria: it should be accessible on the premises, available for a minimum of 12 hours per day, and free from contaminants such as Escherichia coli, arsenic, or fluoride, as outlined by WHO standards. The WHO/UNICEF (2017) report underscores the persistent global disparities in drinking water access. Out of an estimated 5.3 billion people with access to safely-managed drinking water, 1.4 billion relied on basic services, 206 million on limited services, 435 million on unimproved sources, and 144 million depended on untreated surface water. The report highlights the diverse range of water sources and services that communities worldwide rely on for their daily water needs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to bridge existing gaps in water access and quality. This abstract encapsulates the global magnitude of the drinking water challenge, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the issue and the varying levels of service that communities receive. It sets the stage for an in-depth exploration into the dynamics of drinking water access, quality, and management, with a focus on meeting the stringent criteria outlined by WHO for "safely managed" drinking water. Through a critical analysis of the WHO/UNICEF data, this study aims to contribute to the discourse on effective strategies for enhancing drinking water accessibility, availability, and safety, ultimately working towards the overarching goal of ensuring safe drinking water for all.</p>