CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

Goal 6: Ensure availability and

sustainable management of water and
sanitation for all
Water scarcity affects more than 40 percent of people
around the world, an alarming figure that is projected
to increase with the rise of global temperatures as a
consequence of climate change. Although 2.1 billion
people have gained access to improved water
sanitation since 1990, dwindling supplies of safe
drinking water is a major problem impacting every
continent.

In 2011, 41 countries experienced water stress; ten of

them are close to depleting their supply of renewable
freshwater and must now rely on non-conventional
sources. Increasing drought and desertification is
already exacerbating these trends. By 2050, it is
projected that at least one in four people are likely to
be affected by recurring water shortages.
Ensuring universal access to safe and affordable
drinking water by 2030 requires we invest in adequate
infrastructure, provide sanitation facilities and
encourage hygiene at every level. Protecting and
restoring water-related ecosystems such as forests,
mountains, wetlands and rivers is essential if we are to
mitigate water scarcity. More international cooperation
is also needed to encourage water efficiency and
support treatment technologies in developing
countries.

Universal access to clean water and sanitation is one of

17 Global Goals that make up the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development. An integrated approach is
crucial for progress across the multiple goals.
The SDG Fund response

The SDG Fund brings together partners working on convergent aspects

of water and sanitation: infrastructure, governance, health, education,
environmental protection, and gender equality.
SDG Fund programed apply a multispectral approach to the problem of
water and sanitation and include the following key dimensions:

Promotion of democratic and transparent water and sanitation

governance systems

Improving access to water and sanitation services for the poor and
marginalized

Ensuring healthy lives

Promoting integrated water governance and climate change adaptation.

In the Philippines, the joint programme
builds on the experiences and gains of
previous programmes on water and sanitation
and on climate change adaptation. It aims to
empower citizens, especially women and
girls, and communities with access to
sustainable safe water and sanitation services.
SIX TARGET GOALS

By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to

safe and affordable drinking water for all

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

By 2030, 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
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 from water scarcity

By 2030, implement integrated water resources management

at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as
appropriate

By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems,

including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and
lakes

By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-

building support to developing countries in water- and
sanitation-related activities and programs, including water
harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater
treatment, recycling and reuse technologies
PROGRESS OF GOAL 6 IN 2016

Water and sanitation are at the very core of

sustainable development, critical to the survival of
people and the planet. Goal 6 not only addresses the
issues relating to drinking water, sanitation and
hygiene, but also the quality and sustainability of
water resources worldwide.
PROGRESS OF GOAL 6 IN 2017
Access to safe water and sanitation and sound management of freshwater
ecosystems are essential to human health and to environmental
sustainability and economic prosperity.

n 2015, 6.6 billion people (over 90 per cent of the world’s population) used
improved drinking water sources and 4.9 billion people (over two thirds of the
world’s population) used improved sanitation facilities. In both cases, people
without access live predominantly in rural areas. Achieving universal access
to basic sanitation and ending the unsafe practice of open defecation will
require substantial acceleration of progress in rural areas of Central and
Southern Asia, Eastern and South-Eastern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Effective water and sanitation management relies on the participation of a

range of stakeholders, including local communities. A 2016-2017 survey
found that over 80 per cent of 74 responding countries had clearly defined
procedures for engaging service users/communities in water and sanitation
management.
PROGRESS OF GOAL 6 IN 2018
Too many people still lack access to safely managed water
supplies and sanitation facilities. Water scarcity, flooding and lack
of proper wastewater management also hinder social and
economic development. Increasing water efficiency and
improving water management are critical to balancing the
competing and growing water demands from various sectors and
users.

In 2017–2018, 157 countries reported average implementation of

integrated water resources management of 48 per cent.
Based on data from 62 out of 153 countries sharing
transboundary waters, the average percentage of national
transboundary basins covered by an operational arrangement
was only 59 per cent in 2017.