Clean water is probably the most important prerequisite for good health and for preventing the spread of dangerous diseases that kill many people.
There is enough freshwater in the world, but economy and lack of infrastructure prevents universal access. Still 1 in 3 are without access to safe drinking water.
The ambition for Goal 6 is to ensure access to water and proper sanitation for all. Learn more
Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
Target 6.2: 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.
Target 6.3: 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.
Target 6.4: 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.
Target 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.
Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.
Target 6.A: 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.
Target 6.B: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.
