The study looked at how reducing poverty could improve access to clean water and sanitation in low- and lower-middle-income countries by 2030. They analyzed data from 51 countries and found that only nine countries are on track to have over 90% coverage of clean water by 2030, while none are projected to reach that level for sanitation. However, 21 countries are expected to have less than 10% of households practicing open defecation. By reducing poverty, the sanitation sector and rural households saw significant improvements in access to basic services. Overall, achieving poverty reduction goals has a positive impact on water and sanitation access, but many countries may struggle to reach universal access, especially in sanitation.