The research on water and sanitation spans urban and rural water systems, and basic service delivery; sanitation, septage, and wastewater treatment; local, national, and global water policy and governance; and hygiene and behaviour change.

The research focuses on urban water and sanitation practices, policy, and governance in India, including blue infrastructure, and services such as groundwater and tank regulation, irrigation management, and water supply. It looks at addressing the global water crisis and the economics of water, and basic services delivery to poor and informal settlements. It also focuses on urban WASH, hygiene promotion, and behavioural change.

The research has contributed to domestic, international, and global knowledge production, including the United Nations 2023 Water Conference, national, and state policy reform, and large-scale programme design and implementation. It has also shaped courses, teaching, training, and blended learning practices.