Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Access to clean water and sanitation is a basic human right, yet billions of people still lack these essential services, leading to health issues and hindering economic development.

How engineering can make it happen

Civil and environmental engineers have saved millions of lives through clean water and sewage treatment systems, eradicating waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. Every day, electrical and mechanical engineers ensure reliable system operations. Innovations in water treatment and recycling ensure clean water for all, even in arid zones. Despite these advances, more than 1 billion people still lack access to clean water and 2 billion have no access to basic sanitation. Urgent action, including by engineers, is required to address this challenge.