The Protocol on Water and Health entered into force on 4 August 2005, making its provisions legally binding for the ratifying countries. The Chairpersons of the Working Group, in consultation with the WHO-UNECE joint Secretariat, have drafted a work plan for activities under the Protocol for consideration by the Working Group.

The Secretariat has also jointly developed a guidance document on target setting and progress monitoring in water supply and sanitation for discussion by the Working Group. This document is based on the consultation held in May 2005 on the same subject and responds to the priority in the Protocol implementation of assisting countries in meeting the Millennium Development Goals on water and sanitation.