Ensuring universal access to clean and safe water is a core human right and a public health priority. In rural regions, many communities either remain disconnected from the public water supply or depend on unmonitored sources, often due to financial limitations or low risk perception. These alternative sources are frequently exposed to contamination from untreated sewage, agricultural activities, and other pollutants, posing significant health threats. The WATER project proposes a comprehensive, community-driven evaluation of the safety of these water sources, combining microbiological, physico-chemical, and socioperceptual assessments. Grounded in the One Health approach, the study will address not only environmental and microbial hazards, particularly the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but also local knowledge, behaviours, and cultural patterns related to water use. By partnering with residents and local authorities, the project aims to foster water safety awareness and encourage protective practices. WATER contributes to evidence-based risk mitigation and supports global efforts aligned with SDGs 3, 6, and 10, as well as the EU’s Right2Water campaign.