further work is required to harmonize the methods and standards used to monitor the treatment and disposal of excreta from onsite sanitation systems water pollution has worsened since the s in almost all rivers in latin america africa and asia increasing political will to tackle pollution at its source and treat wastewater will protect public health and the environment mitigate the costly effects of pollution and provide additional water resources wastewater is an undervalued source of water energy nutrients and other recoverable byproducts recycling reusing and recovering waste can alleviate water stress a coordinated coherent and pragmatic policy environment is therefore required for the multiple stakeholders involved in the monitoring collection treatment recycling and reuse of wastewater to engage in safe and innovative practices