Water is life. It is essential not only for human survival but also for economic growth, environmental health, and social stability. The sixth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6) — Clean Water and Sanitation — aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. Despite being a fundamental human right, access to clean water and sanitation remains beyond reach for billions of people globally. According to the United Nations World Water Development Report (2024), more than 2.2 billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water, while 3.5 billion lack safe sanitation services.
Water scarcity, pollution, inadequate infrastructure, and poor governance continue to threaten human health, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Achieving SDG 6 is crucial because water underpins all other Sustainable Development Goals — from health (SDG 3) and education (SDG 4) to industry (SDG 9) and climate action (SDG 13). Sustainable management of water resources ensures equity, resilience, and long-term prosperity for people and the planet.
Understanding SDG 6
SDG 6 recognizes that water security and sanitation are interconnected issues that require integrated and inclusive solutions. Clean water supports hygiene, reduces disease, enhances agricultural productivity, and ensures ecosystem balance. Sanitation, on the other hand, safeguards dignity, prevents contamination, and promotes community health.
However, the challenge goes beyond access — it involves sustainable management of water resources, protection of freshwater ecosystems, and governance frameworks that ensure equitable distribution. With population growth, urbanization, and climate change intensifying water stress, a systemic approach is essential to balance competing demands between domestic, agricultural, and industrial users.
Targets of SDG 6
The United Nations has identified eight key targets under SDG 6 to guide global action:
- Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, paying special attention to the needs of women, girls, and vulnerable populations.
- Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
- Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable freshwater withdrawals.
- Implement integrated water resources management (IWRM) at all levels, including transboundary cooperation.
- Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, such as rivers, wetlands, lakes, and aquifers.
- Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water and sanitation programs.
- Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in water and sanitation management.
These targets reflect the multidimensional nature of water — encompassing access, quality, management, and governance.
Global Progress and Challenges
Since 2000, the world has made commendable progress in expanding access to drinking water and sanitation. Many countries have integrated water supply and sanitation into national policies, improved rural water systems, and promoted hygiene education. Between 2015 and 2022, the number of people using safely managed drinking water services increased by nearly 500 million.
However, global progress remains uneven. Rural and marginalized communities still face major gaps. In sub-Saharan Africa, only 28% of people have access to safely managed sanitation. Meanwhile, rapid urbanization and industrialization have polluted major water bodies, reducing freshwater availability.
Climate change has emerged as a critical threat to water security. Droughts, floods, and unpredictable rainfall patterns disrupt supplies, affect agriculture, and increase conflict over water resources. The World Bank warns that by 2050, water scarcity could displace 700 million people globally. Poor governance, fragmented institutions, and inadequate investment further exacerbate the crisis.
Strategies for Achieving SDG 6
- Improving Water Infrastructure and Access
Investments in water supply infrastructure, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, are essential. Low-cost technologies such as hand pumps, gravity-fed systems, and decentralized treatment plants can expand access sustainably. - Promoting Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
Sanitation goes beyond toilets — it includes hygiene awareness, menstrual health management, and safe disposal of waste. Initiatives like India’s Swachh Bharat Mission demonstrate how political commitment and community participation can transform sanitation outcomes. - Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
Water should be managed holistically across sectors and borders. IWRM promotes equitable distribution among agriculture, industry, and households while maintaining ecosystem integrity. It encourages cross-border cooperation for shared water bodies like rivers and aquifers. - Enhancing Water Efficiency
Agriculture consumes about 70% of global freshwater. Adopting efficient irrigation systems (like drip and sprinkler methods), recycling wastewater, and using smart water technologies can reduce wastage. - Protecting Water Ecosystems
Forests, wetlands, and watersheds act as natural filters and storage systems. Protecting these ecosystems ensures long-term water availability. Nature-based solutions, such as wetland restoration and rainwater harvesting, help mitigate floods and droughts. - Addressing Pollution and Water Quality
Enforcing regulations on industrial discharge, promoting sustainable farming practices, and treating wastewater before release are critical to maintaining water quality. Public awareness campaigns can also reduce household pollution. - Strengthening Governance and Financing
Governments must develop strong water policies, ensure community participation, and allocate sufficient budgets. Public-private partnerships can enhance efficiency and innovation in water management. - Climate-Resilient Water Management
Adaptation strategies — including drought forecasting, flood protection, and groundwater recharge — are crucial to building resilience. Integrating water management with national climate action plans enhances sustainability.
Case Studies and Best Practices
Countries such as Singapore, Israel, and Denmark have pioneered innovative water management strategies. Singapore’s “Four National Taps” approach — combining imported water, local catchments, desalination, and recycled water (NEWater) — demonstrates how integrated planning ensures water security. Similarly, Israel leads in wastewater recycling and efficient irrigation technologies, while Denmark maintains some of the world’s highest water quality standards through strong governance and public engagement.
The Way Forward
Achieving SDG 6 requires global solidarity, technological innovation, and local empowerment. Governments must integrate water management into broader development strategies and climate policies. Capacity building and education are vital to strengthen community participation and water stewardship. International cooperation — especially in funding, technology transfer, and transboundary management — will play a decisive role in closing the access gap.
Moreover, water and sanitation should be recognized as central to human dignity and sustainable development. No progress on poverty reduction, education, or health is possible without clean water.
Conclusion
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation is fundamental to life, health, and human dignity. Ensuring universal access to clean water and safe sanitation requires coordinated efforts from all sectors — governments, civil society, and individuals alike. Sustainable water management not only preserves ecosystems but also supports economic resilience, food security, and public health.
As the world faces increasing water stress, the call for action is urgent. Achieving SDG 6 by 2030 will symbolize humanity’s commitment to equity, sustainability, and the right of every person to live with dignity, safety, and well-being.
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