The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. This goal includes achieving universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, providing adequate sanitation and hygiene for everyone while ending open defecation, improving water quality by reducing pollution and increasing recycling and safe reuse of wastewater, increasing water-use efficiency, addressing water scarcity, implementing integrated water resources management, and protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems. Additionally, SDG 6 calls for international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water and sanitation-related activities, as well as the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.
Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation is a formidable challenge. Pollution, whether from industrial runoff or inadequate waste management, contaminates water sources and threatens public health. Infrastructure challenges, especially in rural areas and developing nations, hinder the delivery of clean water and sanitation services to communities. Resource scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, exacerbates the strain on freshwater supplies. To tackle these issues, we must prioritize sustainable infrastructure development, invest in water treatment and waste management systems, and adopt practices that preserve and conserve this vital resource for future generations.
Below are some organizations making contributions to clean water and sanitation.
Accessibility and Affordability of Water and Sanitation
WaterEquity – Provides financial assistance and innovative water and sanitation solutions to low-income communities, making these essential services more affordable and accessible.
Advocacy and Policy Change
Riverkeeper – Works to protect and restore the Hudson River and other waterways through research, advocacy, and legal action, promoting clean water and environmental protection.
Food & Water Watch – Advocates for policies and regulations that ensure safe and affordable water for all, holding corporations and governments accountable for water quality and access.
WaterAid – Works to improve water and sanitation access for marginalized communities globally, advocating for policy changes and supporting community-led initiatives.
World Water Council – Promotes solutions and cooperation for global water challenges, convening stakeholders and advocating for sustainable water management practices.
UN-Water – A UN inter-agency mechanism that coordinates international efforts on water and sanitation, working towards achieving SDG #6.
Sanitation and Waste Management
Wasteless World – Provides affordable waste-to-energy solutions, converting plastic waste into clean energy and reducing pollution.
Sanivation – Offers a circular sanitation system that collects and treats fecal waste, turning it into fertilizer and biogas.
Clean Harbors – Provides environmental and hazardous waste management services globally, contributing to responsible waste disposal and pollution reduction.
Loowatt – Creates waterless and self-contained toilets that convert waste into compost, providing sanitation solutions for off-grid communities and reducing environmental impact.
Technology and Innovation for Water and Sanitation
Akvo – Uses mobile technology to track water and sanitation projects, improving transparency and accountability in water initiatives.
Xylem – Develops innovative water and wastewater treatment technologies, providing solutions for clean water access and pollution reduction globally.
Water Access and Sanitation
Aquaya – Provides affordable solar-powered water purification systems to rural communities, offering safe drinking water and reducing waterborne diseases.
Sanergy – Operates a network of container-based toilets in informal settlements, providing safe sanitation access and converting waste into fertilizer.
Water.org – Provides financial solutions and technology to help communities access safe water and sanitation, promoting sustainable water management.
Water Management and Efficiency
DripTech – Develops and distributes drip irrigation systems that reduce water usage and increase crop yields, particularly in arid regions.
Groots – Uses smart sensors and software to optimize water usage in agriculture, promoting sustainable water management and resource efficiency.
PureCycle Technologies – Develops innovative technologies to recycle wastewater and industrial water, reducing freshwater use and pollution.
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United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #6 (Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all) is part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Read a review of innovative organizations working across other SDGs.
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