WIN Publications

The new WIGO2021 report shows that to make cities resilient and to realise the human rights to water and sanitation for urban residents, it’s essential we focus on water and sanitation integrity. WIGO2021 shows how, with case studies and practical ideas on how to build transparency, accountability and participation, and reduce corruption. See more

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Water Integrity Global Outlook 2021 – Urban Water and Sanitation: Summary

Many women, particularly poor women in vulnerable communities where infrastructure is inadequate, face sextortion on a regular basis when fetching water or accessing sanitation facilities. It is a gendered form of corruption where sex is the currency of the bribe and it violates the human rights to water and sanitation.

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Factsheet: What is Sextortion
Ficha técnica ¿Qué es la sextorsión ?
Fiche Info: Qu'est-ce que la sextorsion

This discussion paper proposes a five-level model for integrity maturity for water and sanitation utilities. It is meant to provide a realistic longer-term vision and guide for utilities working to improve corporate governance, integrity and integrity management at organisation level.

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Integrity and good governance are key to ensuring that climate adaptation programme funds are used effectively for their designated purposes. This Thematic Brief reflects on how adaptation projects may result in maladaptation from the integrity perspective, which either heightens the expected climate-related risks or creates a new set of additional risks.

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Across the world, many public institutions do not pay their water and sewerage bills, thereby starving utilities of resources they need to provide adequate service and contribute to the realisation of the human rights to water and sanitation. Based on new research by WIN and End Water Poverty, this policy brief outlines best practices for service providers, regulators, public finance actors, and water sector stakeholders.

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Dirty and locked toilets are leaving students behind. Change requires a holistic approach to the issues encountered in school WASH because especially as poor integrity is a contributing factor. DORP, BAWIN, and WIN are using integrity assessments in schools to increase TAP and support improvements.

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An overview of challenges and opportunities concerning corruption in the water sector in the context of climate change finance, for policy makers and practitioners from
both sectors.

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2019 WIN – GIZ – Brief – Climate Finance and Water Integrity

Research into the key elements required in climate adaptation frameworks and institutional arrangements to achieve equal and just climate adaptation?

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2019 WIN GIZ - Policy Brief - Integrity in Climate Adaptation (EN)

What are the dynamics of rent-seeking practices in the Indonesian irrigation sector, and what can be learnt from community-based development initiatives, such as irrigation management transfer?

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2018 WIN-IWMI Brief – Rent-Seeking, Irrigation (EN)

An examination of the characteristics of the institutionalized upeti system in the Indonesia irrigation sector, by which subordinates are expected to funnel resources upwards to their superiors in exchange for better positions and social benefits.

Read an interview with the author

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2017 WIN-IWMI Brief – Institutionalized corruption in irrigation – Indonesia (EN)

The mechanisms and alliances which work to achieve the human rights to water and sanitation must be closely allied with those that work to increase transparency and protect the integrity of the sector.

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2016 WIN Brief – Human Rights to Water and Sanitation (EN)

How water integrity contributes to achieving the SDGs on water, hunger, health, gender equality, energy, climate change, ecosystems…

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2016 WIN Brief – SDGs (EN)

The path from planning, procurement and tendering, to construction and implementation for large-scale infrastructure projects contains areas of high integrity risk.

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2016 WIN Brief – Infrastructure (EN)

Exploring the dynamics of integrity in urban water is an essential step in achieving equitable and effective service for all, especially for the poor and marginalized, and those migrating to new settlements in large cities like Delhi.

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2016 WIN Brief – Unequal Service Delivery Delhi (EN)

How the fulfillment of Human Rights obligations and the promotion of water integrity can be mutually reinforcing.

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2013 WIN-Waterlex Brief – Human Right to Water (EN)

This brief outlines the corruption hot spots utilities face in their day-to-day operations and explores how regulators can develop an enabling framework to support integrity. Read more […]

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2013 WIN-GIZ Brief – Regulation (EN)

An outline of key integrity challenges specific to river basin management, with examples of measures to increase integrity from Indonesia, Japan, Spain, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Read more […]

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2012 WIN-GWP Brief – River Basin (EN)
2012 WIN-GWP Brief – River Basin (FR)
2012 WIN-GWP Brief – River Basin (ES)

Water integrity is an overlooked element of small reservoir planning that could reduce risks and improve overall reservoir performance. Read more […]

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2012 WIN-IWMI Brief – Small Reservoirs (EN)
2012 WIN-IWMI Brief – Small Reservoirs (ES)
2012 WIN-IWMI Brief – Small Reservoirs (FR)

An overview of corruption risks affecting the food production chain, with best approaches and concrete measures to increase water integrity for food security.

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2012 WIN Brief – Water for Food (EN)
2012 WIN Brief – Water for Food (ES)
2012 WIN Brief – Water for Food (FR)

Overview of key risks associated with private sector participation in water service provision, with a special focus on contracting risks and influence over political processes.

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2012 WIN-cewas Brief – Private Sector (EN)
2012 WIN-cewas Brief – Private Sector (FR)
2012 WIN-cewas Brief – Private Sector (ES)

Examination of the main governance systems and associated integrity risks for irrigation systems such as canal irrigation, tube well irrigation and wastewater irrigation. Read more […]

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2011 WIN Brief – Irrigation (EN)

Findings from a literature review and consultation of 14 water sector experts on challenges in urban water supply and sanitation.

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2011 WIN Brief – Urban water (EN)

An overview of key concepts for water integrity and policy recommendations.

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2012 WIN Brief – Preventing Corruption in Water (EN)

To make cities resilient and to realise the human rights to water and sanitation, it’s essential that we focus on water and sanitation integrity. Integrity is an aspiration, urging us to use resources more effectively, build trust and engagement, and reduce the dramatic long-term impact of corruption that undermines our work in the sector.

The Water Integrity Global Outlook 2021 brings together examples of how integrity champions -mayors, regulators, water and sanitation professionals, civil society, funders, the media- are building integrity in cities step by step, to improve water and sanitation services and leave no one behind. See more

Download report: Water Integrity Global Outlook 2021: Urban Water and Sanitation

Download summary: Water Integrity Global Outlook 2021 – Urban Water and Sanitation: Summary

Corruption and integrity failures in Bangkok’s wastewater sector are contributing to increased levels of untreated water and affecting the health and livelihoods of people in the region and smallholder farmers in particular. This research examines the different types of integrity failures plaguing the sector and the way forward to address them.

Examination of urban sanitation in Lusaka, Zambia, with a focus on integrity, corruption risks and the capacity, strengths and weakness of the regulatory framework to deal with these risks.

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Despite clear international law on the human rights to water and sanitation, and widespread recognition of these rights, people living in informal settlements (slums) typically lack access to essential services. The paper shows how an integrity focus can help to achieve human rights obligations and how a human rights focus improves integrity and reduces opportunities for corruption in informal settlements.

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SERI-WIN – Human Rights and Water Integrity: Implications for Informal Settlements Water and Sanitation

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SERI-WIN – Human Rights and Water Integrity in Informal Settlements – Executive Summary

An analysis of the Mexican legal framework for water in different states and the legal form that community systems could take if they were taken into account by state laws.

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Marco legal del agua en México con énfasis en la gestión comunitaria

New report examining the extent and drivers of corruption in the water and sanitation sector, as well as impact on communities and South African water security. The report makes recommendations on actions to be taken to address corruption and maladministration, including urgently making the sector an island of integrity.

Download the full report:
2020 Money Down the Drain: Corruption in South AFrica’s Water Sector (EN)

Download summary:
2020 – Corruption Watch – WIN – Corruption in South Africa Water ExecSum

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2020 Media Release – Corruption Watch – WIN – Corruption in South Africa Water Report

Research on integrity challenges and opportunities in water sector public financial management in Kenyan counties. Read more […]

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2019 WIN KEWASNET - Pipes, Policy, Public Money - Kenya (EN)

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2019 - WIN, KEWASNET – Pipes, Policy, Public Money - Summary Report (EN)

Download media release:
Press Release – Pipes Policy Public Money Report

The Water Integrity Global Outlook 2016 highlights how institutional fragmentation and corruption undermine water resources and water services. It outlines techniques that make improvements achievable and makes recommendations for action by governments, sector actors, the private sector and civil society bodies. Read online

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Water Integrity Global Outlook 2016 (WIGO)

Download executive summary:
WIGO Executive Summary (EN)
WIGO Executive Summary (ES)
WIGO Executive Summary (FR)
WIGO Executive Summary (DE)

Governance assessment with a focus on integrity risks in the water, sanitation and irrigation sectors for Benin. Read more […]

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2018 WIN Benin – Cartographie des risques de déficit d’intégrité – Rapport de synthèse

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2018 WIN Benin – Cartographie des risques de déficit d’intégrité – Résumé

Research report on the use of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in clothing factories in Bangladesh to control pollution and toxic wastewater discharge, with recommendations for improvement in terms of Transparency, Accountability, Participation, and Anti-Corruption. Read more […]

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2017 BAWIN – Bangladesh Effluent Treatement Plants (EN)

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2018 WIN – Bangladesh Wastewater Management Infographic (EN)

A Human Rights based approach can provide a lens through which corruption and its negative impact on water and sanitation can be evaluated more carefully and at the same will be reinforced by water integrity work. Read more [..]

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2013 WIN-Waterlex – Corruption And Human Right To Water (EN)

The reliable supply of irrigation is often hindered by corrupt practices at different levels of the irrigation sector. Canal irrigation, tube well irrigation, and wastewater irrigation are identified as three types of irrigation systems with specific governance and corruption risks.

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2011 WIN – Irrigation – Corruption and Integrity Risks (EN)

Key findings of the integrity study initiated by the Good Governance Sub-Sector Working Group, along with conclusions and lessons learned from the process of developing and implementing an integrity assessment for Uganda. Read more […]

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2010 WIN-WSP – Uganda – Promoting TAP (EN)

This report examines and compares corruption risks in water licensing in Chile and Kazakhstan.

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2009 WIN – Chile-Kazakhstan – Water Licensing (EN)

An examination of how the failure to govern more transparently and accountably the essential life resource that is water has an enormous price – both today and for future generations.

Read online via Transparency International

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2008 Transparency International – Global Corruption Report (EN)
2008 Transparency International – Global Corruption Report (ES)
2008 Transparency International – Global Corruption Report (FR)

Issues for consideration in the development of pro-poor anti-corruption strategies in water services and irrigation.

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2007 WIN – Anti-corruption in Water for the Poor (EN)

Targeting water integrity interventions, interpreting key principles, and prioritizing actions can be considerable challenges. The lessons outlined in this report highlight how WIN and its partners faced these to support improvements in water management and WASH services.

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2018 WIN – How to Promote Water Integrity – Lessons Learned (EN)

Lessons Learnt from the Multi-Country Water Integrity Programme (MCWIP) Phase 3 (2015-2019) in Guatemala, Kenya, Mozambique, Nepal with a focus on the challenges of mainstreaming integrity in local programmes.

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2019 WIN - MCWIP Lessons Learnt (EN)

The Integrity Management Toolbox for Small Water Supply Systems is an innovative participatory approach to coordinate efforts between communities and local governments to improve the quality and integrity of services provided from small water supply systems in rural and marginalized areas.

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2018 WIN-Caritas IMT-SWS – Kenya General (EN)
2018 WIN-Caritas IMT-SWS – Dagahaley (EN)
2018 WIN-Caritas IMT-SWS – Olchoro Onyoki (EN)
2018 WIN-Caritas IMT-SWS – Olmarori (EN)
2018 WIN-Caritas IMT-SWS – Sabuli (EN)
2018 WIN-Caritas IMT-SWS Tabaita (EN)

The capacity development programme, Strengthening transparency, accountability and participation in and through WRUAs, aimed at leveraging the potential of the Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs) in the Lake Naivasha Basin (Kenya) as reliable, transparent, and credible local water institutions.

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2018 WIN Brief – WRUA Approach (EN)
2018 WIN Brief – WRUA Partnership (EN)

Five case studies from the 2017 integrity assessment of the Benin water sector, focusing on integrity risks related to different management models of water service provision at municipal level and on pricing practices by the Benin water company. Read more (in French) […]

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2018 WIN Benin – Cartographie des risques de déficit d’intégrité – Etudes de cas

A practical guide to managing water integrity in water utilities with transparency, accountability, and participation, based on experiences from pilot projects in the MENA region.

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2016 WIN-GIZ – Water TAP Manual

An investigation into how water integrity is perceived and experienced by low-income users in their daily attempt to secure access to water, arguing that integrity promotion, besides corruption control, needs to include user perspectives on accountability, participation, and transparency.

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2016 WIN Case – Colombia Public Engagement (EN)

School children in many countries are deprived of basic sanitation and hygiene facilities at school, despite funds being committed to address the issue, because of poor accountability. This report describes a pilot project on schools in Andhra Pradesh, India, where the AWIS methodology was used to raise awareness and evaluate integrity risks. Read more […]

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2014 WIN Case – India School WASH AWIS (EN)

The Ziga dam is a flagship project for ONEA and a key development to ensure wider access to water in the Burkinabe capital. During project management, specific attention was given to anti-corruption and integrity measures to ensure timely and in-budget completion of the dam construction. Read more […]

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2014 WIN Case – Burkina – Ziga Dam (EN)
2014 WIN Case – Burkina – Ziga Dam (FR)

Water integrity ambassadors from 22 countries in Africa met to exchange case examples and good practices at the 1^st African Water Integrity Summit in Lusaka, April 29-30 2014. Their experiences have been collated in this case book, which highlights the persistence and courage needed to promote water integrity in difficult political and organizational contexts. Read more […]

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2014 WIN Cases – Water Integrity Forum Lusaka

A look into how Community Water Boards see integrity and the regulatory framework they operate in, based on interviews with Community Water Board presidents in Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica, and with a case study on water contamination issues around pineapple plantations in Costa Rica. Read more […]

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2014 WIN Case – CentralAmerica Community Boards (EN)
2014 WIN Case – CentralAmerica Community Boards (ES)

This case highlights the role that law enforcers needs to play in protecting natural resources and the environment and how engaging with different stakeholders helped bring about concrete change in how illegal sand mining is addressed and limited. Read more […]

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2013 WIN Case – Sri Lanka – Sand Mining (EN)

Report on the first structured use of the Annotated Water Integrity Scan (AWIS) methodology to assess integrity risks in the water sector in Kenya, including lessons learned. Read more […]

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2011 WIN Case – Kenya – AWIS (EN)

A general introduction to corruption in the water sector, the principles of transparency, accountability and participation, and the tools that can be used to assess and prevent integrity risks, with examples and case studies from West Africa.

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2016 WIN – Water Integrity Manual West Africa (FR)

This manual is for general training sessions on water integrity, covering: Corruption dynamics and risks in the water sector; Water governance and how it is interlinked with integrity; Anti-corruption laws, institutions and instruments; Transparency, accountability, and participation as pillars of integrity.

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Water Integrity Training Manual (EN)
Water Integrity Training Manual (ES)
Water Integrity Training Manual (FR)
Water Integrity Training Manual (RU)

A guide to help water and media professionals plan a successful water integrity campaign, covering strategic objective setting, effective campaign implementation, and rigorous post-campaign monitoring.

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2010 WIN – Advocacy Guide (EN)
2010 WIN – Advocacy Guide (ES)
2010 WIN – Advocacy Guide (FR)
2010 WIN – Advocacy Guide (PT)

The Integrity Management Toolbox for Water Organizations provides a step-by-step methodology for initiating an integrity change process to improve performance and reduce integrity risks related to accounting, human resources, O&M …

Read more about the Integrity Management Toolbox.
Explore updated descriptions of risks and tools for water utilities and institutions, river basin organization, and water sector contractors.

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2014 – Integrity Management Toolbox – Manual (EN)
2014 – Integrity Management Toolbox – Risks (EN)
2014 – Integrity Management Toolbox – Instruments (EN)

The Annotated Water Integrity Scan (AWIS) is a quick participatory assessment of the integrity situation in the water sector at national or local level, to build awareness and a common understanding of key integrity challenges and to plan for action.

Read more, see the AWIS online tool sheet

Download the AWIS Manual:

Download the AWIS manual and full facilitator resources pack (zip file):

The go-to reference to develop a relevant assessment framework for water governance and water integrity.

Download the user guide:
2013 Water Governance Assessment User Guide

An integrity pact is a structured agreement between contracting parties from the governmental and private sector to abide by certain integrity principles during project procurement and implementation phases.

Read more, see the Integrity Pacts online tool sheet

Download the tool guide:
2010 WIN-TI – Integrity Pacts – Implementation Guide (EN)
2010 WIN-TI – Integrity Pacts – Implementation Guide (FR)

Download the facilitator training guide:
2017 WIN – Integrity Pacts Facilitator Training (EN)

Water Stewardship Initiatives are multi-stakeholder platforms including businesses, that jointly address specific shared water challenges. The Guide for Managing Water Integrity in Water Stewardships is a practical set of principles, guiding questions, and tools, to support their development and work.

Explore the integrity guidelines and accompanying tools online

Download the tool guide:
2015 WSI Integrity Guidelines (EN)