Clean drinking water and good and clean sanitation have a positive impact on other Global Goals such as food security, education and health. Clean drinking water reduces infections and clean toilets in schools ensure that more girls go to school, even when they have their periods. There is enough clean drinking water for everyone in the world, but because of problems such as poor infrastructure or economy, millions of people still die each year from diseases caused by contaminated drinking water or poor hygiene.
Since 1990, 2.6 billion people have gained access to clean drinking water, but 1.8 billion still get their drinking water from contaminated sources. In addition, 2.4 billion people around the world still cannot use clean toilets and other sanitation.
Goal Six therefore established that by 2030, everyone should have access to clean drinking water and be able to use clean and good sanitation. Much waste is still thrown away in water. To improve water quality, this pollution must stop and wastewater must be treated more often. Also, all countries must have a functioning water management system by 2030.
