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Despite being essential to sustainable development, economic expansion and public health, water quality is still a major problem in many regions of the world. The complex relationship between health and water quality is examined in this narrative review, with a focus on the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programme’s contribution to the problem. An extensive literature search was conducted using Medical Subject Headings terms and multiple information sources, viz through PubMed and Google Scholar. This review aims to provide a nuanced understanding of safe drinking water and its quality. The primary aim of the manuscript is to provide a narrative global overview of water quality and its public health implications, with contextual examples from India and other low- and middle-income countries. The review integrates three dimensions: (1) determinants and status of drinking water quality, (2) health outcomes and behavioural determinants and (3) policy and programmatic responses including WASH and Sustainable Development Goals.