The Freshwater Monitor supports diagnostics for decision making and progress measurement in the water sector. We carry out analyses of data availability for decision making, including the analysis of gaps and areas where data availability, its timeliness, and its appropriateness as a decision support tool can be improved. In addition, we review the information system and its linkages to decision making. Before working on improving data and information systems, some research is needed to provide a situation analysis. The Freshwater Monitor offers tailored research capability for a situation analysis.

For instance, given the commitments that countries have made under Sustainable Development Goal, data is required on 11 different indicators at regular intervals. The national water database may contain data on a range of different indicators, but these may not necessarily correspond closely to the requirements of SDG 6 reporting. Where possible existing data can be extracted to provide estimated values across the indicators, while over time more tailored data collection may be needed in some areas. Diagnostics is the first step in a process, followed by reporting and recommendations and subsequently capacity building and data collection to close existing knowledge gaps.