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A new series of ISO standards has been developed to offer the international community practical tools to address the global challenge of effectively managing limited water resources.

Aiming to provide the world’s population with access to safe drinking water and sanitation, as well as meet the principles of sustainable development, the recently published guidelines relate to drinking water supply and wastewater sewerage systems.

"These ISO standards will play a primary role in promoting access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation through improved governance at all levels," said ISO Secretary-General, Alan Bryden. "Their publication is a first step towards responding to the United Nations' concern in recognising that access to water is an essential human right. The UN has set ambitious goals to increase access to drinking water and wastewater services, particularly in developing countries."

The guidelines include service-oriented standard ISO 24510 for the assessment and improvement of services to users; management-oriented ISO 24511 for wastewater utilities and assessment of wastewater services; ISO 24512 for drinking water utilities and assessment of drinking water services.

The main objective of the international standards is to provide the relevant stakeholders with guidelines for assessing and improving services to users, and managing water utilities in line with goals set by the relevant authorities. Intended to facilitate dialogue between the stakeholders, the guidance will enable them to develop a mutual understanding of the functions and tasks that fall within the scope of water utilities.

Their implementation will be monitored to provide feedback for further improvement.