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About WPDx

The mission of the Water Point Data Exchange (WPDx) is to unlock the potential of water point data to improve rural water services through evidence-based decision-making.

WPDx has three main components:

WPDx Data Standard

The WPDx Data Standard was collaboratively designed for data collection from rural areas at the water point or small water scheme level. The core parameters included in the WPDx Data Standard are parameters which are commonly measured by governments, non-governmental organizations, and researchers to enable easy sharing without changing the types of data typically collected. The WPDx Data Standard is managed and updated on an as-needed basis by a Global Working Group. To review the WPDx Data Standard, please see here.

Global Data Repository

The WPDx Data Repository is a cloud-based data library that enables sharing of global data that is compliant with the WPDx Data Standard. Data is fully open and free to access. Data is machine readable via an API. The repository includes an online data playground for analysis and visualization. To visit the WPDx Global Data Repository, please see here.

Decision Support Tools

WPDx currently offers four decision support tools to improve evidence-based decision making. The tools were designed in response to the most frequently asked questions in a survey of government water experts. To learn more about the tools, please see here. The tools include:

  1. Measure Water Access By District. How many people lack basic access per district? In which districts should investments be focused?
  2. Prioritize Locations for Rehabilitation. Which rehabilitation would reach the most people? Where are people currently unserved due to a broken water point?
  3. Prioritize Locations for New Construction. Which new locations would reach the most people? Where are people currently unserved by an existing water point?
  4. Predict Current Water Point Status. Which water points are at highest risk of failure? Why? Where should preventative maintenance be focused?

How does WPDx work?

STEP 1
Governments and their partners are already collecting substantial amounts of data. However, data is often too fragmented to use, with different approaches for data collection and storage. Given the challenges in accessing and using data, it is typically only used for reporting and not decision support.
STEP 1
STEP 2
All stakeholders can easily use the WPDx Data Standard to harmonize their existing data structure. Formatting existing data into the WPDx Data Standard typically takes less than 30 minuts. The WPDx Data Standard fits most water point data, even if it was collected with no knowledge of the standard.
STEP 2
STEP 3
After formatting, the file can be uploaded and published to the WPDx Global Data Repository. The WPDx ingestion engine removes duplicate entries, links multiple updates to the same water point, and integrates the data into the Global Data Repository to provide easy access to data. All data is now harmonized and integrated.
STEP 3
STEP 4
Decision support tools access data from the Global Data Repository and automatically carry out advanced GIS and machine learning analysis on the fly. Designed in partnership with governments and data scientists, these tools provide concrete insights, like which water point to send a technician to rehabilitate next to reach the most people.
STEP 4

WPDx Working Group

WPDx is governed by a diverse working group of sector leaders.

The current working group is comprised of individuals from the following organizations:

Prior working group members include:

Generous funding and support provided by:

Organization

The Water Point Data Exchange is an initiative of the Global Water Challenge (GWC). GWC is a collation of leading organizations committed to achieving universal access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and women’s empowerment. With companies, civil society partners and governments, GWC accelerates the deliver of safe water and sanitation and supports gender equality through partnerships that catalyze financial support and drive innovation for sustainable solutions.