SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for All

Water is essential to life, health and opportunity. Yet safe drinking water and decent sanitation remain out of reach for millions of people around the world. Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to change this by ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for everyone by 2030.

What is SDG 6?

Adopted by United Nations member states in 2015, SDG 6 is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It covers more than access to a tap or toilet. Its targets include improving water quality, reducing pollution, using water more efficiently, protecting freshwater ecosystems and supporting communities to manage water resources.

The goal also recognises that water and sanitation services must be affordable, reliable and accessible to all, including people living in rural areas and those facing poverty, discrimination or displacement.

Why clean water and sanitation matter

Safe water supports health, education and livelihoods. When people can access clean water close to home, they are less exposed to waterborne diseases and spend less time collecting water. This can create more time for school, work and family life.

Sanitation is just as important. Safe toilets and effective wastewater treatment help prevent disease, protect dignity and reduce pollution in rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Handwashing facilities and good hygiene practices also play a vital role in preventing the spread of illness.

Water is closely connected to other global goals. It supports food production, energy generation and healthy ecosystems. As climate change increases the risk of droughts, floods and unpredictable rainfall, careful water management is becoming increasingly important.

Progress and challenges

Progress has been made in expanding water and sanitation services, but major gaps remain. United Nations estimates for 2022 indicate that around 2.2 billion people did not have safely managed drinking water at home, while 3.5 billion lacked safely managed sanitation. These figures show the scale of the challenge and the need for faster action.

Barriers differ from place to place. Some communities face water scarcity, ageing infrastructure or contaminated supplies. Others lack the investment and skilled workers needed to build and maintain services. Conflict and emergencies can damage water systems, while pollution and unsustainable use put additional pressure on freshwater sources.

What needs to happen?

Achieving SDG 6 requires coordinated action from governments, businesses, communities and individuals. Priorities include:

• Investing in dependable water networks, toilets and wastewater treatment.
• Protecting rivers, wetlands and groundwater from pollution and overuse.
• Making water services affordable and accessible, particularly for underserved communities.
• Improving water efficiency in homes, agriculture and industry.
• Preparing water systems for droughts, floods and other climate-related risks.
• Involving local communities in decisions about water and sanitation.

How everyone can contribute

Large-scale change depends on strong public policy and investment, but everyday choices can support better water stewardship too. People can avoid wasting water, dispose of chemicals and medicines safely, reduce plastic pollution and support organisations working to improve access to clean water and sanitation.

SDG 6 is both a development goal and a commitment to human dignity. Ensuring that everyone can access safe water and sanitation is essential for healthier communities, a fairer society and a more sustainable future. With sustained investment and shared responsibility, progress towards clean water for all is possible.

 

SDG 6: Nine Frequently Asked Questions About Clean Water and Sanitation

1. What is SDG 6, and what does it aim to achieve?
2. Why is clean water and sanitation important for sustainable development?
3. How many people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water?
4. What are the main targets of SDG 6?
5. How does climate change affect access to clean water?
6. What is the difference between basic and safely managed drinking water?
7. How can water pollution be reduced to support SDG 6?
8. What can governments and communities do to achieve universal access to water and sanitation?
9. How can individuals help conserve water and contribute to SDG 6?

What is SDG 6, and what does it aim to achieve?

SDG 6 is one of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It aims to ensure that everyone has access to clean water and adequate sanitation, and to promote the sustainable management of water resources by 2030. This includes improving water quality, reducing pollution, using water more efficiently, protecting rivers and other freshwater ecosystems, and making safe, affordable services accessible to all.

Why is clean water and sanitation important for sustainable development?

Clean water and sanitation are essential for sustainable development because they protect health, dignity and livelihoods while supporting education, food production and economic growth. Safe water helps prevent disease, and reliable sanitation reduces pollution and protects rivers and ecosystems. When these services are accessible and affordable for everyone, communities are better able to thrive and inequalities can be reduced. This is why Sustainable Development Goal 6 calls for clean water and sanitation for all, as part of building a healthier, fairer and more resilient future.

How many people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water?

According to WHO and UNICEF estimates, around 2.2 billion people worldwide lacked safely managed drinking water in 2022. This means their drinking water did not come from an improved source located on their premises, available when needed and free from contamination. The figure highlights the scale of the challenge addressed by Sustainable Development Goal 6: ensuring access to safe water for everyone.

What are the main targets of SDG 6?

The main targets of SDG 6 are to ensure universal access to safe and affordable drinking water and adequate sanitation and hygiene by 2030; improve water quality by reducing pollution and increasing wastewater treatment and reuse; use water more efficiently across all sectors; protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including rivers, lakes and wetlands; and strengthen cooperation and local community involvement in water management. The goal also calls for international support to help developing countries improve their water and sanitation services.

How does climate change affect access to clean water?

Climate change can make access to clean water less reliable by changing rainfall patterns and increasing the frequency of droughts, floods and heatwaves. Droughts reduce the amount of water available in rivers, reservoirs and underground sources, while floods can contaminate supplies with sewage, chemicals and other pollutants. Higher temperatures can also increase water demand and encourage the growth of harmful bacteria and algae. These pressures can damage water infrastructure and place the greatest burden on communities with limited resources, making climate-resilient water systems and effective sanitation essential.

What is the difference between basic and safely managed drinking water?

Basic drinking water comes from an improved source, such as a piped supply, protected well or packaged water, and can be collected within a 30-minute round trip. Safely managed drinking water meets these standards and is also available on the premises when needed and free from faecal and priority chemical contamination. In short, “safely managed” means water is not only from a suitable source, but is accessible, reliable and safe to drink.

How can water pollution be reduced to support SDG 6?

Water pollution can be reduced by preventing contaminants from entering rivers, lakes and groundwater in the first place. Governments and businesses can improve wastewater treatment, enforce limits on industrial discharges and reduce agricultural run-off by using fertilisers and pesticides responsibly. Communities can help by disposing of medicines, oils and chemicals safely, cutting plastic waste and taking part in local clean-ups. Protecting wetlands and riverbanks also helps filter pollutants naturally. These actions support SDG 6 by improving water quality and protecting the ecosystems and communities that depend on clean water.

What can governments and communities do to achieve universal access to water and sanitation?

Governments can help achieve universal access to water and sanitation by investing in reliable pipes, treatment facilities and toilets, setting and enforcing water-quality standards, and ensuring services are affordable and accessible to everyone, including rural and marginalised communities. Communities can contribute by taking part in local water planning, protecting rivers and groundwater from pollution, reporting problems and supporting the fair, sustainable use of water. Working together, and prioritising the needs of people who are often left behind, can make these essential services safer and more dependable for all.

How can individuals help conserve water and contribute to SDG 6?

Individuals can support SDG 6 by using water thoughtfully at home: turn off taps while brushing your teeth, take shorter showers, fix leaks and run washing machines or dishwashers only with full loads. Choose water-efficient appliances where possible, and avoid pouring oils, medicines or chemicals down drains, as these can pollute waterways. You can also reduce your water footprint by wasting less food, choosing products made with responsible water practices and supporting local efforts to protect rivers and wetlands. Small everyday changes, combined with community action, help conserve freshwater and promote clean, sustainable water for everyone.