Water and sanitation are pivotal elements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily encapsulated in SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). This goal seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. This objective directly addresses the current global water crisis, where nearly 2.2 billion people live without access to safe water, and about 4.2 billion lack access to adequate sanitation.
By focusing on improving water quality, increasing water-use efficiency, implementing integrated water resources management at all levels, and protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems, SDG 6 addresses not only direct human needs but also the broader ecological health of the planet. Furthermore, efforts towards achieving SDG 6 indirectly promote several other SDGs.
For instance, water and sanitation are crucial to achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as clean water and proper sanitation facilities reduce the spread of water-borne diseases and significantly lower child and maternal mortality rates. Likewise, they are foundational to SDG 4 (Quality Education), given that the provision of water and sanitation facilities in schools significantly impacts the attendance and performance of students, particularly for girls.
SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) also intersects with water and sanitation, as sustainable and efficient water management is critical for agriculture, which remains the largest global water consumer. The necessity of water for food production and the potential impact of improved water management on crop yields and livestock health makes SDG 6 integral to achieving zero hunger.
SDG 6 contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) as well. Access to clean water and sanitation can enhance economic productivity by reducing time spent gathering water, reducing healthcare costs due to water-related diseases, and even creating jobs in water and sanitation services sectors.
In terms of environmental impact, the sustainable management of water resources is essential for SDG 13 (Climate Action), as water is a key factor in managing climate change due to its role in agriculture and energy production.
Aquatic Biomes: Global Biome Conservation and Global Warming Impacts on Ecology and Biodiversity, Volume , 1 January 2025
Microalgae and One Health: Fundamentals, Biocompounds, and Health and Environmental Applications, Volume , 1 January 2025
Low Cost Water and Wastewater Treatment Systems: Conventional and Recent Advances, 2025, Pages 41-69
This chapter aligns with UN SDG Goals 6, 9 and 12 by exploring phytoremediation as a sustainable technique for treating contaminated freshwater resources, thereby addressing pollution and promoting the safe use of water in agriculture and households.
This research introduces APAH, an innovative IoT-based autonomous real-time monitoring system designed for industrial wastewater management, particularly in developing countries like India. By integrating multi-parameter sensors and advanced technologies such as machine learning, APAH continuously tracks key water quality metrics and enables timely interventions through automated controls and alerts, demonstrating significant improvements in water quality at industrial treatment plants in Maharashtra.
The 2024 winners of the RELX Environmental Challenge, which supports innovative solutions to advance SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation, have been announced.
The RELX Environmental Challenge 2024 shortlist has been announced and features four innovative projects that provide sustainable access to safe water and improved sanitation.
World Wetlands Day 2026
Event Date: 2 February 2026
Recognizing Body: United Nations General Assembly; Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention)
Short Event Descriptor: World Wetlands Day 2026 is an international observance recognizing the importance of wetlands and commemorating the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
What the Event Is
