Back to: THE AGENDA 2030 AND THE SDGs

SDG 6, “Clean Water and Sanitation,” is one of the most vital components of the 2030 Agenda. It aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Access to clean water is not only a fundamental human right but a cornerstone for health, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Without safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, the risk of disease increases, education and work productivity suffer, and inequalities deepen—particularly affecting marginalized populations and vulnerable groups such as women and children.

Description

The central objective of SDG 6 is to guarantee universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, improved sanitation, and hygiene practices by 2030. It emphasizes the importance of improving water quality, reducing pollution, minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals, and increasing water-use efficiency across all sectors. Equally important is the need to protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, and aquifers, which play a vital role in ensuring long-term water availability. This goal also highlights the necessity of strengthening participation from local communities in water and sanitation management, especially in areas where governance and infrastructure are weak.

Main Sub-Targets

SDG 6 is composed of 8 key sub-targets that provide a comprehensive framework for action:

1. 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
2. 6.2: Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.
3. 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
4. 6.4: Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals.
5. 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including transboundary cooperation.
6. 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems.
7. 6.a: Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities.
8. 6.b: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.

Case Study: Real-Life Initiative/Project

One prominent example of progress toward SDG 6 comes from Rwanda’s national water strategy. With the support of international donors and NGOs, Rwanda has undertaken an ambitious water infrastructure project aiming to deliver clean water to over 85% of its population by 2025. In one rural district, the installation of solar-powered water pumps and the construction of sanitation facilities in schools significantly improved hygiene and reduced waterborne diseases. The community was actively involved in the planning and maintenance of the systems, ensuring sustainability. This project not only improved health outcomes but also empowered women and girls, who traditionally bore the burden of collecting water.