Data availability as a key tool for regulating government-owned water utilities

This article examines factors that are important for data collection and information initiatives in the water sector, where government ownership and operation is usually the case. The problems are compounded for fragile, conflict-affected, and low income states. This study presents issues, potential actions, and supporting examples for monitoring and evaluating infrastructure utility performance. “Good practice” examples from developing countries are presented to illustrate the impacts of data availability on sector performance.