Aquaya is a data-driven nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving safe water and sanitation access in low-resource settings.

Aquaya combines rigorous data collection, advanced analytics, and deep practical experience to inform water and sanitation decisions. We apply experience, creativity, and information to guide the development of safe, sustainable, and affordable water and sanitation systems. Aquaya supports water and sanitation advances through the following activities:

  • We design and implement data collection programs that include experiments, surveys, image analysis and remote sensing.
  • We analyze data to support evidence-informed decisions.
  • We develop policy recommendations that address water and sanitation goals.
  • We produce a wide range of dissemination products (including briefs, short videos, blog posts, social media posts, and peerreviewed publications) to engage stakeholders.

Our Values

Quality

By publishing our results in peer-reviewed academic journals, we ensure that our methods and analyses meet the highest scientific standards.

Creativity

How will big data sets, satellite imagery, remote sensors, and artificial intelligence improve water and sanitation services in low-resource settings? We are answering these questions at Aquaya.

Collaboration

To achieve safe, sustainable and affordable water and sanitation, we have to work together. We built a committed network of academics, practitioners, community members, donors and government agencies.


Our Process

Aquaya combines applied data science and technology studies with on-the-ground programs.

Providing safe and sustainable drinking water and sanitation in low-resources settings requires technical, financial, and political creativity. Our combined research and consulting approach applies evidence-based innovation across this full range of activities. Our work creates a feedback loop that leverages on-the-ground learning to drive our research priorities.


Where we’ve worked

Aquaya’s Work Can Be Seen in 33 Countries

country map
Latin America

Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Peru

Africa

Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia

Asia

Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam


Thought Leadership

What are we learning at Aquaya?

Aquaya researchers summarize their latest findings and insights.


How to Design Water and Sanitation Subsidies that Reach the Poorest Households

March 2026

How Much Will Households Pay for Container-Based Sanitation in Haiti?

February 2026

Bridging the Water Access Gap: Lessons from a Targeted Subsidies Pilot in Adawso, Ghana

January 2026

Aquaya 20 Year Milestones

December 2025

From Tsunami Response to 20 Years of Impact: The Aquaya Story

December 2025

URBAN WASH Resource Hub

November 2025

Our Team

The Aquaya team delivers research excellence, practical experience, and local knowledge

Aquaya receives pro bono legal services from Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton
LLP
and The Law Office of Byde W. Clawson.

GET TO KNOW US


philanthropy

AquayaLEARN: Leading an Empowered African Research Network.

It is impossible to build sustainable water and sanitation services in the absence of strong governance, management, and technical support systems. Aquaya contributes to local capacity development through our AquayaLEARN fellowship program. AquayaLEARN enables African students and young professionals to collaborate with Aquaya’s research team on the development and implementation of leading-edge water and sanitation solutions.


We're Here for you

What's your tough question?

Send us a message to see how we can help

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