The JMP has established a standard set of drinking water and sanitation categories that are used for monitoring
The JMP uses a standard facility type classification to compare progress between countries.
Improved drinking water sources are those that have the potential to deliver safe water by nature of their design and construction, while improved sanitation facilities are those designed to hygienically separate excreta from human contact.
In addition to reporting on the proportion of the population using improved drinking water sources and improved sanitation facilities, for the SDGs the JMP has prepared estimates for different types of improved drinking water and sanitation facilities. For sanitation, this provides an important foundation for the calculation of safely managed services since the management of onsite sanitation facilities (septic tanks, latrines) differs considerably from sewer connected facilities.