Using community data to improve rural water infrastructure in India

India continues to struggle with the combined effects of water stress alongside poor access to water and sanitation. However, data-driven infrastructure planning is helping to bring a more integrated, sustainable approach to water management and the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene in rural areas. Working with non-governmental organisations in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, a project was undertaken to introduce consistent digital data collection, analysis and sharing processes for water resources and water demand data. Key outputs from the project included a toolkit and mobile application, the wider adoption of which could transform rural water access.