Among the 62 countries where at least 5 per cent of the population practised open defecation in 2015,18 countries are currently on track to meet the 2030 target. In another 36 countries, the current rate of progress is too slow to reach the target. For the remaining eight countries, open defecation rates have actually increased since 2000. It can contaminate drinking water sources and limit opportunities for safe and productive reuse of water.