We cannot achieve water security without good data

This article argues that achieving water security in India, particularly in smaller cities, is impossible without robust data. It highlights systemic issues like stalled projects, old infrastructure, and source overdependency that lead to uneven water services. The piece critiques current data collection, often self-reported by government departments with limited citizen feedback, leading to inaccurate performance assessments. It advocates for comprehensive, localized data on staffing, infrastructure, and energy use to guide funding, planning, and ensure accountability for more reliable and equitable water services.