ENSURE AVAILABILITY AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF WATER AND SANITATION FOR ALL.
One in three people live without sanitation. This is causing unnecessary disease and death. Although huge strides have been made with access to clean drinking water, lack of sanitation is undermining these advances. If we provide affordable equipment and education in hygiene practices, we can stop this senseless suffering and loss of life.
Major Goals
Everyone can help to make sure that we meet the Global Goals. Use these eight targets to ensure clean water and sanitation for all.
SAFE AND AFFORDABLE DRINKING WATER
By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
END OPEN DEFECATION AND PROVIDE ACCESS TO SANITATION AND HYGIENE
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.
IMPROVE WATER QUALITY, WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND SAFE REUSE
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.
INCREASE WATER-USE EFFICIENCY AND ENSURE FRESHWATER SUPPLIES
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.
IMPLEMENT INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.
PROTECT AND RESTORE WATER-RELATED ECOSYSTEMS
By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.
EXPAND WATER AND SANITATION SUPPORT TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
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.
SUPPORT LOCAL ENGAGEMENT IN WATER AND SANITATION MANAGEMENT
Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.
THINGS TO DO
Find a Goal 6 charity you want to support. Any donation, big or small, can make a difference!
4 billion people lack access to basic sanitation services. Lend your voice to talk about the lack of toilets in many communities around the world!
Run a campaign on hygiene. Raise awareness about the hygiene issues in your community through social media, school/university campaign or even a campaign in the neighborhood you live in.
Don’t overuse water. Make sure to close a tap when washing dishes, take short showers – Bathtubs require gallons more water than a 5-10 minute shower. Consider getting a water meter to be aware of your water usage.
Organize a clean up project for rivers and oceans. Engage your whole community to clean up a local river, seaside or an ocean.
Stay informed. Follow your local news and stay in touch with the Global Goals online or on social media at @TheGlobalGoals.
Discover the World’s Largest Lesson and wide-ranging activities and materials. All designed to motivate young people and inspire them to become informed and active citizens.
Whether you’re a business or employee, at the start of your sustainability journey or developing your next set of commitments, we’ve got useful resources to support your contribution to the Global Goals.