Drinking Water and Water Sanitation refers to the availability, accessibility, and management of safe water for human consumption, as well as the proper disposal of wastewater and sanitation services to ensure hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases.
Description
Drinking Water and Sanitation are essential for public health and human well-being. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation services is fundamental for preventing diseases and improving quality of life.
Drinking water refers to water that is free from chemical and biological contaminants, making it safe for human consumption without health risks. Ensuring access involves reliable distribution through treatment and supply infrastructures.
Sanitation includes all practices and infrastructure that enable the hygienic disposal of human waste (toilets, sewers, wastewater treatment plants) and the management of wastewater to prevent environmental and drinking water contamination.
WHO emphasizes that the lack of access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation leads to waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and dysentery, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Improving these services is a major challenge for health, sustainable development, and the fight against poverty.
This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) of the United Nations, which aims to "ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all" by 2030. SDG 6 focuses on providing universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water, improving sanitation and hygiene, reducing water pollution, and promoting efficient water use to ensure sustainability for future generations.
Reference: SDG 6 Clean water and sanitationSDG 6 Clean water and sanitation
