Clean Water and Sanitation
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
One in three people live without sanitation. This is causing unnecessary disease and death. Although huge strides have been made with access to clean drinking water, lack of sanitation is undermining these advances. If we provide affordable equipment and education in hygiene practices, we can stop this senseless suffering and loss of life.
The Targets
Everyone can help to make sure that we meet the Global Goals. Use these eight targets to ensure clean water and sanitation for all.
SAFE AND AFFORDABLE DRINKING WATER
By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
END OPEN DEFECATION AND PROVIDE ACCESS TO SANITATION AND HYGIENE
By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.
IMPROVE WATER QUALITY, WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND SAFE REUSE
By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
INCREASE WATER-USE EFFICIENCY AND ENSURE FRESHWATER SUPPLIES
By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
IMPLEMENT INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.
PROTECT AND RESTORE WATER-RELATED ECOSYSTEMS
By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.
EXPAND WATER AND SANITATION SUPPORT TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies.
SUPPORT LOCAL ENGAGEMENT IN WATER AND SANITATION MANAGEMENT
Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.
What can your business do?
Invest profits into hygiene and sanitation education.
Harvest rainwater to re-use within your office buildings, like flushing toilets.
Undertake the CDP Water Security Questionnaire to manage the risks and opportunities of the water crisis.
Set a target to reduce water consumption within business operations.
Supporting your sustainability journey
Every business needs ambition and action to support the goals. Learn how your business’s ambition compares to others.
The rating uses a simple 5-star format based on five areas that each contribute to sustainable development. This makes it simple to track progress and compare businesses. It also quantifies commitment to the SDGs, encouraging more businesses to set targets and communicate their actions.
