Water supply and sanitation in Panama  Water supply and sanitation in Panama is characterized by relatively high levels of access compared to other Latin American countries. However, challenges remain, especially in rural areas. According to the Ministry of Health, in 2006 97% had access to potable water and also 97% had access to at least basic sanitation. WHO's and UNICEF's Joint Monitoring Program (JMP) estimates access to improved water supply in 2004 at 97% in urban areas and 82% in rural areas, while access to improved sanitation was 75% in urban areas and 50% in rural areas. The table below is updated with 2009 JMP data for water and sanitation coverage. "Source": Joint Monitoring Program WHO/UNICEF(JMP/2009). Despite a lack of statistical data about water quality and continuity of supply, potable water is perceived to be of good quality in Panama and most users receive continuous service. Responsibilities for the sector are allocated by the Panamanian Water Law, which was approved in 1997. As of 2016, the government considered reforming the water sector. by breaking up IDAAN into municipal-level service companies. The Panamanian Health Ministry is responsible for defining the sector's policy, whereas the "Autoridad Nacional de los Servicios Públicos" ASEP or National Authority for Public Services acts as regulatory agency. Responsibility for water resources is vested in two institutions: The "Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente" or National Environment Authority and the "Autoridad del Canal de Panamá" or Panama Canal Authority. According to the Water Law, the "Instituto de Acueductos y Alcantarillados Nacionales" (IDAAN) is responsible for water and sanitation services in urban areas with more than 1,500 inhabitants, thus preventing decentralization to municipalities. The only exception is the municipality of Boquete, which manages its own water supply and sanitation system. There are approximately 3,300 water supply systems in rural areas, of which 1,800 are managed by "Juntas Administrativas de Acueductos Rurales" (JAARs) or Rural Water Boards. The remaining are managed by Health Committees. IDAAN was created in 1961 and was made responsible for investments in water supply in urban areas and a significant increase in coverage of potable water and - to a lesser extent - sanitation. The institution disposed of high financial capacities and human resources during its first decades.