SDG 6

Icon for Clean water and sanitation

Clean water and sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Targets

Indicators

Target

6.1

By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all

Indicators

6.1.1

Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services 

Target

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

Indicators

6.2.1

Proportion of population using (a) safely managed sanitation services and (b) a hand-washing facility with soap and water 

Target

6.3

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

Indicators

6.3.1

Proportion of domestic and industrial wastewater flows safely treated 

6.3.2

Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality 

Target

6.4

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

Indicators

6.4.1

Change in water-use efficiency over time 

6.4.2

Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources 

Target

6.5

By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate

Indicators

6.5.1

Degree of integrated water resources management 

6.5.2

Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation 

Target

6.6

By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes

Indicators

6.6.1

Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time 

Target

6.a

By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies

Indicators

6.a.1

Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan 

Target

6.b

Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

Indicators

6.b.1

Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management 

  1. Protecting the right to water

    Human rightsGlobal

    Access to safe drinking water and sanitation are established human rights. Yet, halfway through the Water Action Decade, billions of people are still denied them. This year, nations have pledged to drive transformation to a water-secure world, and must now urgently act on their promises

  2. Improving health outcomes through access to water

    HealthGlobal

    At current progress rates, 1.6 billion people will lack safely managed drinking water by 2030. Ramping up financial and political investment in access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, particularly in the world’s poorest countries and in the face of climate change, is now essential for achieving the SDGs

  3. Assessing vulnerability to prevent crises

    Data and monitoringGlobal

    For decades, vulnerable nations have sought a more accurate and impactful means to evaluate their need for global assistance. Can the new Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) live up to its promise and more effectively help these countries prepare for risks and threats?

  4. Tackling fraud and corruption during crises

    FinancingGlobal

    The pandemic revealed how rapid crisis spending creates profiteering opportunities for exploitative and corrupt actors. Strengthening anti-corruption measures is urgently needed to ensure that the anticipated investment surge toward achieving Agenda 2030 truly benefits the planet’s most vulnerable