This chapter addresses global water scarcity by turning wastewater into a safe and reusable water source and promotes circular water systems.

This chapter provides a strategic blueprint for managing freshwater under climate stress and population growth. It supports long-term resilience through water‑scarcity indicators and technologies.

The cascading effects of biodiversity decline on human well-being present a pressing challenge for sustainable development.

The authors evaluate shifts in water reservoirs (i.e. atmospheric versus terrestrial and underground water storage). Projections indicate water storage deficits in most Southern Hemisphere basins during the summer.

Pakistan's water resources experiencing mounting pressure. UN SDG 6 provides a roadmap for achieving sustainable water management. Long-term planning and community engagement are key to success. Policy recommendations include efficient pricing and climate change integration.

The authors put forward a mathematical model for examining the impact of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services on reducing the transmission of waterborne diseases such as enteric diarrheal disease (EDD). It is found that wastewater and sewage treatment (WST) control has the most significant impact in terms of WASH interventions employed. The findings have could have very important public health potential and tie in strongly with the goals of SDG 6.

This study supports SDGs 3, 6, and 14 by highlighting the importance of freshwater biodiversity for human and planetary health, and suggesting that local and regional efforts for monitoring and improving ecosystem health are essential for reversing the current crisis in this area.

Global challenges such as climate change, limited resources, and an ever-growing world population demonstrate a perceptible impact on the lives of people around the globe. To tackle the arising issues and to enable peace and prosperity in the future, the United Nations (UN) have defined 17 interlinked sustainable development goals. A major facilitator to achieve these goals is considered through education. Consequently, higher education institutes have started to align their curricula with sustainable development.

The paper outlines how we may advances in observational technologies with developments in water quality modelling to integrate simulation of eutrophication impacts with organic matter dynamics and fate of synthetic toxic compounds.

Water-smart society must highlight societal well-being and co-development across sectors. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the need for a long-term perspective, conserving nature, and maximising ecosystem services, while anticipating change. Finally, the article discusses how a more grounded conceptualisation of the water-smart society can guide utilities and urban policy design.