MSD 019: Unit 07 - SDG6–Clean Water and Sanitation

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 UNIT 7: SDG 6 – CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

7.0 Introduction

Clean water and sanitation are essential to life, health, and dignity. Yet, millions of people globally lack access to safe water and proper sanitation. Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) seeks to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” by 2030. Access to clean water and sanitation is not just a basic human right but also vital for reducing poverty, improving health, ensuring gender equality, and sustaining ecosystems.

7.1 Objectives

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Understand the purpose and scope of SDG 6.

·         Explore the historical background and targets of SDG 6.

·         Analyze linkages of SDG 6 with other goals.

·         Review global and national achievements and challenges.

·         Assess the impact of COVID-19 on water and sanitation goals.

7.2 Why is SDG 6 Important for Sustainable Development?

Water is essential for drinking, agriculture, sanitation, industry, and ecosystem health. Without clean water:

·         Health crises (e.g., diarrheal diseases) increase.

·         Women and children spend hours collecting water, impacting education and livelihoods.

·         Economic productivity suffers due to lack of hygiene and water access.

·         Environmental degradation worsens due to polluted rivers and depleted aquifers.

Thus, achieving SDG 6 is essential for building resilient, equitable, and prosperous societies.

7.3 SDG 6 and Its Linkages with Other Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 6 is directly or indirectly linked with many other goals:

·         SDG 1 (No Poverty): Water is vital for livelihoods and agriculture.

·         SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Clean water reduces diseases.

·         SDG 4 (Quality Education): Sanitation in schools improves attendance, especially for girls.

·         SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Women are disproportionately affected by water scarcity.

·         SDG 13 (Climate Action): Climate change affects rainfall and water availability.

·         SDG 15 (Life on Land): Freshwater is crucial for ecosystems and biodiversity.

7.4 Historical Evolution of SDG 6

Key Milestones:

·         1977: UN Water Conference in Mar del Plata focused on water issues.

·         2000: Millennium Development Goal 7 included halving the number of people without access to water and sanitation.

·         2010: UN General Assembly recognized access to safe water and sanitation as a human right.

·         2015: SDG 6 was formally adopted, with a broader focus on water quality, management, sanitation, and ecosystem protection.

7.5 Targets and Indicators

SDG 6 includes 8 targets and 11 indicators, which address water supply, sanitation, water quality, and water resource management.

Key Targets:

1.      6.1: Universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water.

2.      6.2: Access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene, ending open defecation.

3.      6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and increasing recycling.

4.      6.4: Increase water-use efficiency and ensure freshwater availability.

5.      6.5: Implement integrated water resources management.

6.      6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems.

7.      6.a: Expand international cooperation and capacity-building.

8.      6.b: Support community participation in water and sanitation management.

7.6 Achievements

7.6.1 Safe and Affordable Drinking Water

·         Global access to basic drinking water has increased, but over 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water services.

·         Investments in water infrastructure and pipe networks are ongoing in both urban and rural areas.

7.6.2 End Open Defecation and Provide Access to Sanitation and Hygiene

·         Open defecation has declined globally, yet 419 million people still practice it.

·         Hygiene awareness and availability of handwashing facilities are critical, especially post-COVID.

7.6.3 Water Stress, Water Quality, and Water Treatment

·         Many regions face “water stress” due to over-extraction.

·         Pollution from industries, agriculture, and households has deteriorated water quality.

·         Sewage treatment plants and regulation enforcement are increasing.

7.6.4 Improving Water-Use Efficiency

·         Efficient irrigation systems (e.g., drip and sprinkler) and industrial water recycling are being promoted.

·         Water accounting and pricing mechanisms are being explored to reduce wastage.

7.6.5 Integrated Water Resource Management

·         This approach involves balancing social, economic, and environmental needs in water planning.

·         River basin authorities and catchment management plans are examples.

7.6.6 Funding for SDG 6 and Local Engagement

·         Financing water infrastructure is a major challenge, especially in low-income countries.

·         Community-led initiatives and public-private partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly being adopted.

7.7 SDG 6 and Achievements in India

Government Initiatives:

·         Jal Jeevan Mission (2019): Aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to all rural households by 2024.

·         Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Successfully reduced open defecation, especially in rural areas.

·         Namami Gange Programme: Focused on river rejuvenation and sewage treatment.

·         Atal Bhujal Yojana: Groundwater management through community participation.

·         National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP): Ensures safe drinking water in rural India.

Achievements:

·         Substantial increase in toilet coverage and piped water supply.

·         India declared open defecation free (ODF) in 2019, though challenges in maintenance and behavior change remain.

·         Emphasis is shifting to sustainability, water quality, and greywater reuse.

7.8 COVID-19 and Its Impact on SDG 6

Negative Impacts:

·         Water demand increased due to hygiene needs, stressing supply systems.

·         Financial and logistic disruptions affected sanitation and water services.

·         Delay in infrastructure projects due to lockdowns and labor shortages.

Positive Outcomes:

·         Greater awareness about hand hygiene and safe sanitation.

·         Reinforcement of the need for universal access to water and handwashing facilities.

·         Renewed policy focus on resilient WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) systems.

7.9 Conclusion

SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation is foundational to human well-being and environmental sustainability. It influences health, education, livelihoods, and economic productivity. While global and national progress has been made, especially in India, gaps remain in access, water quality, affordability, and climate resilience. Achieving SDG 6 requires sustained investment, behavioral change, community involvement, technological innovation, and integrated water management approaches.

7.10 Let’s Us Sum Up

·         SDG 6 aims to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.

·         It comprises 8 key targets including safe water, sanitation, water efficiency, and ecosystem protection.

·         India has launched major programs like Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission.

·         Challenges include pollution, groundwater depletion, water stress, and sanitation sustainability.

·         COVID-19 brought renewed urgency to improve hygiene and access to safe water for all.

 

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