Clean Water & Sanitation
Clean Water & Sanitation is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations in 2015. It focuses on providing safe and affordable drinking water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene facilities, improving water quality, and protecting ecosystems related to water resources.
What is Clean Water & Sanitation?
The Clean Water & Sanitation Sustainable Development Goal, is one of the 17 goals set by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The global goal is aimed at ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all people, regardless of where they live or their economic status. It is an ambitious goal that aims to tackle the fundamental challenges of providing safe and affordable drinking water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene facilities to people worldwide.
The Clean Water & Sanitation Sustainable Development Goal has a target to be met by 2030 to achieve its goal. These targets include:
Ensuring access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
Providing access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all
Improving water quality by reducing pollution, elimination dumping and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals
Increasing water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensuring sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater
Protecting and restoring ecosystems related to water resources, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes
While many countries have made significant progress towards achieving these targets, there is still much work to be done. An estimated 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water, while over 4.2 billion people do not have access to adequate sanitation. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of water and sanitation as essential services for preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases.
Achieving the Clean Water & Sanitation Sustainable Development Goal by 2030 will require a concerted effort by governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals worldwide. With sustainable and equitable management of water and sanitation resources, we can create a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world for all.
Clean Water & Sanitation
Clean Water & Sanitation Initiatives
Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS)
CTLS is an approach that focuses on behavior change and community empowerment to eliminate open defecation. It encourages communities to collectively take action to build and use latrines, promoting improved sanitation practices.
WaterAid
WaterAid is an international non-governmental organization that works to promote clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services to communities in need. They collaborate with local partners, governments, and communities to implement sustainable water and sanitation projects.
Sanitation and Water for All (SWA)
SWA is a global partnership of governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders committed to achieving universal access to clean water and sanitation. It mobilizes political commitment, resources, and knowledge-sharing to accelerate progress towards Clean Water & Sanitation.
Why Clean Water & Sanitation is Important
Poverty Reduction
Access to clean water and sanitation is closely linked to poverty reduction. Without clean water, communities are unable to maintain good hygiene practices, leading to increased illness, decreased productivity, and higher healthcare costs. By providing access to clean water and sanitation facilities, this SDG helps break the cycle of poverty and contributes to overall economic development.
Climate Change Resilience
Climate change is exacerbating water scarcity and affecting water quality in many regions. Clean Water & Sanitation calls for resilient infrastructure and improved water resource management to address the challenges posed by climate change. By enhancing water and sanitation systems’ resilience, communities can better adapt to climate change impacts, such as increased droughts, floods, and water contamination.
Human Rights
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by the lack of clean water and sanitation. They often bear the responsibility of collecting water for their families, which can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Lack of access to sanitation facilities also puts them at risk of harassment and violence when they have to travel long distances to find suitable locations for sanitation needs. Clean Water & Sanitation aims to ensure equal access to clean water and sanitation, which can empower women and girls by reducing their burden and improving their safety and dignity.
Clean Water & Sanitation Statistics
2.2 billion people
As of 2020, approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water services.
80% of Households
Globally, women and girls bear the primary responsibility for water collection in 80% of households without access to water on premises. This task often requires traveling long distances, impacting their education, safety, and overall well-being.
$114 Million
The annual global investment required in water supply and sanitation infrastructure is around $114 billion. There is a significant financing gap, with current investments falling short.
Clean Water & Sanitation in the News
Water Scarcity leaves half of the world’s population without access to basic sanitation
This article from the Guardian discusses how water scarcity is leading to a lack of access to basic sanitation for half of the world’s population. It highlights the need for increased efforts to improve water management and sanitation systems to ensure access for all.
How a Simple Idea is Helping Thousnds of African Villages Save Water
This article from Global Citizen describes a low-cost and effective water-saving technique that is helping thousands of African villages conserve water. This technique involves using a simple sand dam to capture and store rainwater, which can then be used for agriculture and other purposes.
The World’s Water Crisis is Worsening: Here’s What We Need to Know
This article from the World Economic Forum discusses the worsening water crisis and highlights the need for innovative solutions to address the issue. It includes examples of successful water management initiatives and calls for increased investment in water infrastructure and technology.
How to Help Clean Water & Sanitation Initiatives
Advocate for Change
Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote sustainable water management and improve access to clean water and sanitation.
Donate
Support organizations working to improve access to clean water and sanitation, such as Water.org and charity: water.
Education
Educate others about the importance of clean water and sanitation and the impact of water-borne diseases on health and development.