Water and sanitation

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.

This study supports SDGs 3 and 6 by showing that areas with better access to drinking water and sanitation had a lower abundance of antibiotic resistance genes, suggesting that increasing access to water and sanitation could effectively reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance in low-income and middle-income countries
world toilet day

World Toilet Day 2024: Making Every Flush Count for Sustainable Development

On World Toilet Day 2024, which falls on 19 November, SDG Resources aims to cast a spotlight on an issue that many often overlook – sanitation. As odd as it might sound to some, toilets are more than just a basic amenity; they're a symbol of a society's progress and commitment to ensuring the well-being of its inhabitants.

A Brief Introduction to World Toilet Day 2024

Hands under water tap

RELX Environmental Challenge 2023: five shortlisted projects to bring safe water and sanitation to communities around the world

This study analysis four wetland technologies for treating greywater according to regulatory standards.
In addressing the SDGs in general, the authors pose the question, “What is the potential role of SDGs as an accountability mechanism?”. A case study approach using interviews is taken to examine how certain organisations may use the SDGs as an accountability mechanism, and whether or not meaningful accountability is actually being achieved. It is concluded that the full opportunities offered by the SDGs are not yet in full use.
To mark the 50th Anniversary of World Environment Day on 5 June 2023, Elsevier proudly presents a curated list of publicly available journal articles and book chapters in support of this year's theme “Solutions to Plastics Pollution”. Please share and download.

World Water Day 2024: Harnessing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for Global Water Sustainability

As we approach World Water Day 2024, it's imperative to delve into the heart of the matter - the critical importance of water and the role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in addressing the global water crisis. This day, celebrated every 22nd of March, focuses our attention on the vital importance of water and its impact on the environment, health, and livelihoods.

This study shows that agricultural water consumption tends to use internal water resources at a maximum level for export and national use, significantly impacting renewable and non-renewable water resource availability, especially in groundwater.
Elsevier,

Recent Advancements in Wastewater Management: Implications and Biological Solutions, 2023, pp 109-132

This chapter aligns with Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and Goal 13: Climate Action by discussing the role and challenges of wastewater irrigation in agriculture in response to declining freshwater resources.
The findings of this study suggest further review and consideration of a multipronged approach of integrated nutrition, menstrual hygiene management, and water, sanitation and hygiene interventions at the school level to improve adolescent nutrition and health.

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