Water scarcity affects more than 40 percent of people, an alarming figure that is projected to rise as temperatures do. Although 2.1 billion people have improved water sanitation since 1990, dwindling drinking water supplies are affecting every continent.
More and more countries are experiencing water stress, and increasing drought and desertification is already worsening these trends. By 2050, it is projected that at least one in four people will suffer recurring water shortages.
Safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030 requires we invest in adequate infrastructure, provide sanitation facilities, and encourage hygiene.
Protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems is essential.
Ensuring universal safe and affordable drinking water involves reaching over 800 million people who lack basic services and improving accessibility and safety of services for over two billion.
In 2015, 4.5 billion people lacked safely managed sanitation services (with adequately disposed or treated excreta) and 2.3 billion lacked even basic sanitation.
Facts and Figures
98.3%
Access to safe drinking water in urban areas at 98.3% and rural at 84% (2016)
84.4%
84.4% of households use piped water as their main source of drinking water. (2016)
54%
Nationally, only 54% of the households have access to improved sanitation.
28%
Urban HHs with access to sanitation is 76.9% while Rural HHs stands at 28% (2016)
Indicators and Results
6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- (T)
- (U)
- (R)
6.1.1 Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services
National Definition – Proportion of households with access to safe water (piped water, water from boreholes and protected wells).
6.2 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.
- (T) Town
- (U) Urban
- (R) Rural
6.2.1 Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services, including a handwashing facility with soap and water
National Definition – Proportion of household with access to safe sanitation (flush toilet, pit latrine)
6.4 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.
6.4.2 Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources
National Definition – UN SDG Definition
6.5 By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.
6.5.1 Degree of integrated water resources management implementation (0–100)
National Definition – UN SDG Definition
6.5.2 Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation
National Definition – UN SDG Definition
6.6 By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.
6.6.1 Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time
National Definition – Water body extent (permanent)
6.a 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.
6.a.1 Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government coordinated spending plan
National Definition – UN SDG Definition