Decentralised solar-based water treatment – Bridging the last mile to water security in low- and middle-income countries?

•Solar-based water treatment may increase accessibility to safe water in LMICs.•Potential for combination with traditional water treatment methods in rural communities.•Can be cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, scalable, and culturally acceptable.•Field trials and molecular analysis (e.g., QMRA) required to validate treatment efficiency.•Co-development of solar technologies with communities may increase user compliance.•Implementation of WASH strategies and WSPs of equal importance to ensure water quality.