The article discusses the importance of making smart decisions about sanitation in cities. It looks at three main factors that drive these decisions: public health, sustainability, and costs. The researchers found that while public health is a common reason for improving sanitation, there is still a lot we don't know about how germs spread and how to choose the best solutions. Climate change is often overlooked in sanitation planning, but it could lead to big problems if not considered. Cost data is hard to come by, making it tough to compare different sanitation options. By understanding these factors better, cities can make better choices for providing clean and safe sanitation services to everyone.