Goal 6: Clean Water & Sanitation

Why it matters: 40% of the global population suffer from a scarcity of water and that figure is expected to rise as it is projected that at least one in four people will be affected by recurring water shortages by 2050. In addition to water shortages, there is the issue of water sanitation. Each day, nearly 1,000 children die due to preventable water and sanitation-related diseases. Increasing drought and desertification is already worsening these trends and figures show that 2.4 billion people worldwide do not have access to basic sanitation services like toilets or latrines.

Target 6.1: Safe and affordable drinking water

By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

Target 6.2: End open defecation and provide access to sanitation and hygiene

By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.

Target 6.3: Improve water quality, wastewater treatment and safe reuse

By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimising release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated waste water and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.

Target 6.4: Increase water-use efficiency and ensure freshwater supplies

By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering due to water scarcity.

Target 6.5: Implement intergrated water resources management

By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering due to water scarcity.

Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems

By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.

Target 6A: Expand water and sanitation support to developing countries

By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, waste water treatment, recycling and reuse technologies.

Target 6B: Support local engagement in water and sanitation management

Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.