Goals AND IMPACTS

GOALS

• Safe and Affordable Drinking Water – Ensure universal access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030.

• Sanitation and Hygiene for All – Provide equitable sanitation and hygiene, especially for women, girls, and vulnerable populations.

• Improve Water Quality – Reduce pollution and untreated wastewater while increasing recycling and safe reuse.

• Increase Water-Use Efficiency – Ensure sustainable water use and address water scarcity.

• Integrated Water Resource Management – Strengthen international cooperation in water management.

• Protect Water-Related Ecosystems – Restore and preserve lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

• Enhance Support for Water and Sanitation – Improve international funding and technological cooperation.

• Encourage Community Participation – Promote local engagement in water and sanitation management.

The Impact of Unclean Water vs. Clean Water

1. The Dangers of Unclean Water

Unclean water is a major threat to public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Contaminated water contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and pollutants that lead to serious health problems.

🚱 Health Risks

• Causes diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, leading to 1.5 million deaths annually.

• Contaminated water is linked to child malnutrition and stunted growth.

🚱 Environmental Consequences

• Polluted water destroys aquatic ecosystems and reduces biodiversity.

• Agricultural runoff and industrial waste contaminate rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

🚱 Social and Economic Impacts

• In rural areas, people (especially women and children) spend hours fetching water, reducing education and work opportunities.

• Poor sanitation leads to lost productivity and high healthcare costs.

2. The Benefits of Clean Water

Access to clean water transforms lives by improving health, education, and economic opportunities.

💧 Health Improvements

• Reduces disease outbreaks and lowers child mortality rates.

• Improves hygiene and prevents the spread of infections.

💧 Economic Growth

• Clean water access boosts agriculture, industry, and job opportunities.

• Every $1 invested in water and sanitation returns up to $4 in economic benefits.

💧 Better Quality of Life

• Girls can stay in school instead of collecting water.

• Cleaner environments lead to sustainable development and stronger communities.

Solutions for Ensuring Clean Water for All

🌍 Improving Water Infrastructure – Investing in pipelines, purification systems, and wastewater treatment.
🚰 Household Water Filtration – Providing low-cost water filters and purification techniques.
🏭 Reducing Industrial and Agricultural Pollution – Implementing stricter regulations on waste disposal.
🤝 Community-Led Water Management – Empowering local groups to maintain and manage water resources.
💡 Innovative Technologies – Desalination, rainwater harvesting, and solar-powered water purification.

Achieving SDG 6 requires urgent action from governments, businesses, and individuals. Together, we can ensure clean water and sanitation for all!