This report focuses on the changes that simple improvements in water and sanitation services can make to people's lifestyles, health and economic prospects. It notes the relatively small investments needed to make those improvements.

The Millennium Development Goals, according to this report, aim to halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. This report analyses the status of water improvement efforts in the context of this goal. 

Part I: Water for Life - and for Living Lifelong
This section charts the effect that lack of drinking water and sanitation have on people at different stages of their lives. It highlights the different ways in which men and women are affected by poor water, and the added difficulties caused by the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS.

Part II: Making it Happen
This section looks at a range of interventions that are being advocated and analyses their potential impact on progress toward the MDG drinking water and sanitation target. Topics covered includes efforts focused on changing hygiene behaviours, household water treatment, legislation and support of small-scale entrepreneurs.

The report also includes a list of further resources and statistical tables showing both the current status and what is needed to achieve the MDG target.

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