The network’s mission is to protect public health, as it relates to drinking-water and sanitation, through the promotion of excellence and the continual improvement of regulatory frameworks and systems.

The objectives of the Network are to:

• advocate for the improvement of regulations in order to better protect public health as it relates to drinking-water and sanitation;
• support the development of internationally recognized guidance on the use of drinking-water and sanitation regulations to protect public health; and
• provide support and guidance to regulators wishing to establish, update or amend their regulatory frameworks

RegNet typically meets annually to discuss ideas, share experiences and develop strategies to address aspects of public health protection as it relates to drinking-water and sanitation. 

Through RegNet, WHO assists Member States in translating evidence and guidance into public health policy and implementing the Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality and Guidelines on Sanitation and Health. Membership is open to drinking-water and/or sanitation regulators, defined as professionals tasked with ensuring the safety of drinking-water production and quality through setting and/or enforcing appropriate regulations and standards and/or independent surveillance at national and sub-national levels.

If you would like to contribute to and engage with RegNet, contact: [email protected]

RegNet Flyer

The RegNet flyer outlines the importance of regulation to protect and promote public health, and provides practical information about the network.

Terms of reference

These terms of reference are a functional reference guide for prospective and existing members of RegNet. They outline practical information about the network, including membership criteria, network structure and function, and scope of activities.

These issue sheets provide guidance on how to optimize the use of regulation to protect public health through drinking-water quality management. The primary intended audience of these issue sheets are drinking-water regulators who want to establish, update or amend their regulatory frameworks. The guidance may also be of relevance to environmental, public health and economic regulators.