While the MDG target for access to improved water supply has been met, questions still exist around the potability and sustainability of those supplies. Moreover, the sanitation target is still unlikely to be met. In order to mitigate water-related health impacts, both now and post-MDGs, it is necessary to co-ordinate community interventions, focussing not only on water quantity and access, but water quality, sanitation/wastewater treatment and source water protection. While some interventions are technological, we need to invest more money and time in enhancing capacity, providing information and empowering communities to take ownership.