WFC 1.2 People using (at least) basic drinking water services

The indicator measures the number of individuals within households in the targeted area who use (at least) basic drinking water services[1].

Households are considered to have a “basic” drinking water service when they use water from an ‘improved’ source with a total collection time of 30 minutes or less for a roundtrip, including queuing (JMP drinking water ladder).

Improved drinking water sources are those that have the potential to deliver safe water by nature of their design and construction, and include piped water, boreholes or tubewells, protected dug wells, protected springs, rainwater, and packaged or delivered water.

A step higher on the JMP drinking water ladder is "Safely managed" drinking water service. This means drinking water from an improved water source that is accessible on premises, available when needed and free from faecal and priority chemical contamination (JMP).

This indicator includes households benefitting from newly built or rehabilitated water sources supported (directly or indirectly by Helvetas). Rehabilitated means that the water source has been restored after considerable disuse/damage. This means that the

Note: In this indicator, the term "population" refers specifically to the people living within the target area of the project.

[1] Some areas may be used the terminology “sources” instead of “services,” however, these are not the same.  The JMP framework defines “sources” and “services” as follows:

• Sources refer to the physical infrastructure or natural supply points where water is obtained, such as piped water, boreholes, protected wells or springs, and rainwater collection systems. These are categorized as improved sources due to their design and potential to deliver safe water.

• Services describe the level of access, availability, and quality provided by these sources. For a population to be counted as using a basic drinking water service, they must meet the following criteria:

  1. Use water from an improved source.

  2. Be able to access it within a total collection time of 30 minutes (including queuing).

For example, an improved source like a protected well does not automatically equate to a basic service unless it is accessible within the defined time frame. This distinction ensures that our indicator captures not only the availability of infrastructure but also the level of service experienced by the population.

• Gender 

• Age  

• Left behind/vulnerable population group  

People living in households within the catchment area of newly built or rehabilitated improved drinking water points/services by HSI or HSI supported (implementing) partners (primary stakeholders) and people living in communities where HSI has supported public or private actors for improved water management (secondary/indirect stakeholders).

Household Survey: A representative sample of the target population is required. The JMP household survey should be used for consistent global comparability.

Water Quality Monitoring: For the safely managed component, water quality testing should be conducted for 10-20% of water sources or users to confirm adherence to national or international standards (e.g., WHO). For detailed guidance, see JMP/MICS resources.

The survey should also include information about which water source is being used so that it can be determined whether the water source is provided as a result of the support from Helvetas. If this is not the case, the questionnaire can be

At least baseline and endline

Conduct household surveys (at least at baseline and endline) on a representative sample of the people living in households within the catchment area of newly built or rehabilitated improved drinking water points/services by HSI or HSI supported (implementing) partners and/or people living in communities where HSI has supported public or private actors for improved water management.

For water quality monitoring, randomly sample at least 10-20% of water sources, distribution points and/or households to be tested. Ensure geographic and service type diversity (piped systems, wells, etc.). Test for E. coli (for microbial contamination) and key chemicals (arsenic, fluoride, nitrates) following national or WHO guidelines.

Note: Data for indicators WFC 1.1, WFC 1.2, WFC 1.3, and WFC 1.4 can be collected during the same data collection activity.

When analysing the data, we can understand which areas are improving and identify regions needing more support. If the household survey shows that a lower proportion of people are using the new water sources than expected, this could highlight a need for additional community education or infrastructure improvements. Regularly reviewing this data allows us to make timely decisions that ensure more people benefit from clean, accessible water.

When assessing attribution, consider that improvements in water access might not solely result from our interventions. External factors, such as the presence of other organizations or socio-economic changes, could also play a role. Gathering community feedback can help verify whether our specific efforts, like infrastructure upgrades or educational programs, led to improvements.

Water Quality Testing: Water quality testing can be logistically challenging. Make sure that the sampling of water sources is representative and that tests cover microbial (E. coli) and chemical contamination (e.g., arsenic).

SDC:
WAT_ARI_1 Number of people using safely managed drinking water services (Only Safely managed to be reported to SDC)

SDG :

6.1.1 Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services

• WFC 1.1 Proportion of households that are more water secure after gaining access to (at least) basic water supply service (Household Water Insecurity Experiences Scale)

• WFC 1.3 Proportion of population using (at least) basic sanitation services

• WFC 1.4 Proportion of population using hand-washing facility with soap and water

• WSG 1.1.1 Number of people who have gained access to (at least) basic drinking water services

• WSG 1.1.4 Number of people who have gained access to (at least) basic sanitation services

• WSG 1.1.6 (a) /(b) Number of people reached with (a) sanitation and hygiene promotion activities, including (b) menstrual health and hygiene