Progress to safely managed services has accelerated in some regions yet remains uneven and fragile. Many countries lack clear guidance on how to navigate the system transformation required to support safely managed services. This report addresses that lack of guidance. It identifies thirteen high‑level transition pathways that countries typically follow as they progress from basic to safely managed water and sanitation services. It examines the drivers of these transitions and the system implications for households, service providers, and governments. The report is intended to support policymakers, regulators, and sector stakeholders to design strategies that accelerate and sustain progress.