Goal 6:
Clean water and sanitation
Ensure access to water and sanitation for all
SDG 6 focuses on guaranteeing universal, equal and affordable access to water and sanitation and hygiene services, improving citizen participation in their management. Guaranteeing the water supply over the long term relies on increasing the efficiency of water use and integrating its management at all levels by, for example, augmenting the use of groundwater.
In terms of environmental sustainability, the goals are to prevent any kind of water pollution, including that caused by wastewater, as well as to protect and re-establish water-based ecosystems.
6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
6.2 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
6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimising the release of hazardous chemicals and material, halving the percentage of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure the sustainable extraction and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and significantly reduce the number of people suffering from a lack of water
6.5 By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through cross-border cooperation as appropriate
6.6 By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, aquifers and lakes
6.a By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related programmes and activities, such as water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies
6.b Support and strengthen local community participation in improving water and sanitation management
