As per available statistics out of total 136399 identified habitations in the State (as per 1994 survey), 1, 14, 099 habitations have been fully covered with the provision of drinking water. By the end of March, 2004 the total coverage increased to 124127 habitations accounting for 91% of the habitations. There are however patches of dry belts. The quality of water too is not acceptable from the health and hygiene point.

These habitations have been provided with 227277 tube wells, 7079 sanitary wells and 121 spring-based Water Supply Projects.  Besides, funded by Govt. of India, SWAJALADHARA Scheme is under implementation since 2003.  The basic concept of this scheme is to ensure genuine community participation in planning, implementation, operation and maintenance. Another innovative feature of the scheme is that it based on demand responsive approach. Upto 2003-04, 518 schemes have been sanctioned for the State out of which 31 drinking water schemes have been completed. 

In order to bridge rural-urban divide and achieve the balance socio-economic development, Govt. of India have initiated a new scheme, viz. Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PUPA). This scheme will be implemented in 402 identified villages in 28 districts of Orissa.

With growing urbanization, there are increasing problems of slums, water logging, congestion in discharge of drain water and problem of garbage disposal. Presently, underground sewerage clearance facilities is partly provided in 5 towns viz. Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, Sunabeda & Rourkela (Steel township) covering around 16.05% population of the State.  SISSO is also associated with Urban Sanitation Programme and so far have constructed 36911 nos. of Low Cost Sanitary Latrines, 255 Sulabha Souchalayas in different ULBs. As a part of privatization drive of sanitation service, SISSO has also been entrusted with the cleaning work of a number of office buildings, hospitals, parks and bus stands. A total of 10 public toilets have been sanctioned out of MP LAD funds.