The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and amplified existing vulnerabilities regarding access to clean water, disproportionately impacting vulnerable people and communities. Frequent handwashing requirements as a means to curb its spread highlighted inequalities, with over two billion people lacking access to water at home. The preventative legal and policy measures implemented by governments to ensure access to water for vulnerable populations during the pandemic were generally inadequate, temporary and narrowly focused on short-term needs rather than long-term solutions. The pandemic demonstrated the need for resilience-building using the ‘build back better’ framework within international cooperation, including developing legislative/policy measures to provide minimum essential water access. It further showed that conservation practices, rainwater harvesting and public education campaigns should also be prioritized. Taking a rights-based approach grounded in principles of equality and non-discrimination can help construct an inclusive system guaranteeing sufficient, safe, accessible and affordable water for all.