Safe Water and Sanitation
Safe Water and Sanitation on the Agenda 2030 for the Sustainable Development
Water and sanitation are at the very core of sustainable development, critical for thriving people, planet and prosperity. Water is needed for domestic purposes, for agricultural, industrial and energy production, and these uses are highly inter-linked, potentially in competition, and they generate wastewater that may cause pollution. Water is central to climate change, linking the climate system to the environmental and socio-economic systems; climate change severs water scarcity in some parts of the world, and the risk of flooding in others. Water is a key factor in managing risks such as famine, epidemics, migration, inequalities and political instability. Integrated water resources management is essential to harness synergies as well as to manage potential trade-offs across sectors and regions, to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Goal 6.1 Universal and equitable access to water
Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
Goal 6.2 Access to sanitation and hygiene
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.
Goal 6.3 Water quality
Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
Goal 6.4 Efficient use of the water
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 from water scarcity.
Goal 6.5 Integrated management of the water resources
Implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.
Goal 6.6 Ecosystems related to water
Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.
