Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 Global Goals that provide a framework for the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They serve as a universal call to action to protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all people by 2030. ​Each goal addresses a key area of sustainable development while emphasizing interconnectedness, equity, and long-term sustainability. According to the United Nations, Sustainable Development Goal 6 focuses on the "availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all." There are 8 targets for Goal 6 and each target is measured by unique indicators. For more information on each target, continue reading below.
Target 6.1
Achieve Equitable Access to Safe and Affordable Drinking Water For All
Target 6.1 seeks to ensure access to safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water in homes and communities by 2030. This target is measured by indicator 6.1.1, which is the "proportion of the population using safely managed drinking water services" according to UN SDG framework.
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Target 6.2
Achieve Access to Adequate and Equitable Sanitation and Hygiene
Target 6.2 aims to ensure sanitation and hygiene is accessible for all, with a focus on the needs of women and girls as well as those in vulnerable situations. It is measured by indicator 6.2.1, which is the "proportion of population using (a) safely managed sanitation services and (b) a hand-washing facility with soap and water" in the UN SDG framework.
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Target 6.3
Improve Water Quality by Reducing Pollution
Target 6.3 aims to reduce how much waste, chemicals, and untreated sewage end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. It encourages the proper treatment of wastewater and the proper disposal of harmful materials, so that water sources stay clean and ecosystems stay healthy. It is measured by both indicator 6.3.1, which is the "proportion of domestic and industrial wastewater flows safely treated" and indicator 6.3.2, which is the "proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality" in the UN SDG framework.
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Target 6.4
Increase Water Use Efficiency and Address Water Scarcity
Target 6.4 promotes using water more carefully and efficiently in homes, farms, and industries. Improved water use efficiency is important to meet the needs of growing populations while protecting water resources for the future. This target is measured by both indicator 6.4.1, which is the "change in water-use efficiency over time" and 6.4.2, which is the "level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater sources" in the UN SDG framework.
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Target 6.5
Implement Integrated Water Resources Managment At All Levels
Water flows across all boarders and target 6.5 aims to manage this relationship cooperatively. This target encourages countries and regions to plan and manage their water resources in a coordinated manner. It includes working together across all sectors and borders to ensure fair and sustainable use of water. It is measured by indicator 6.5.1, which is the "degree of integrated water resources management" and indicator 6.5.2, which is the "proportion of transboundary basin area with an operation arrangement for water cooperation" in the UN SDG framework.
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Target 6.6
Protect and Restore Water Related Resources
Natural ecosystems like wetlands, rivers, forests, and lakes are vital for clean water and a stable climate. Target 6.6 focuses on protecting these areas from damage and restoring them where they have been degraded. Healthy ecosystems help maintain water quality, reduce floods, and support biodiversity. This target is measured by indicator 6.6.1, which is the "change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time" in UN SDG framework.
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Target 6.a
Expand International Cooperation
Target 6.a calls on nations and international organizations to offer financial and technical help to ensure all countries across the globe can meet their water and sanitation needs. It is measured by indicator 6.a.1, which is the "amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan" in the UN SDG framework.
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Target 6.b
Strengthen the Participation of Local Communities
Communities know their water challenges best. Target 6.b emphasizes the importance of involving local people in planning and managing water and sanitation services. Community participation leads to more sustainable and effective solutions. This target is measured by indicator 6.b.1, which is the "proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management" in the UN SDG framework.
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