Current Country Status and Key Initiatives to Support SDG 6 Targets

6.2.1 - Proportion of population using (a) safely managed sanitation services and (b) a hand-washing facility with soap and water.

• Investment in Basic Sanitation Infrastructure: Governments and international agencies must prioritise funding for essential sanitation infrastructure, including sewage systems, public toilets, and wastewater treatment facilities. Expanding sanitation networks in underserved areas can reduce health risks and improve overall public hygiene. These investments should be complemented by regulations ensuring proper waste disposal, maintenance programs for long-term functionality, and integration of eco-friendly wastewater treatment technologies.
• Expanding Hygiene Education Initiatives: Strengthening hygiene education programs is crucial for promoting sustainable sanitation practices. Governments and international organisations should collaborate with local institutions to develop school-based hygiene curriculums, community outreach initiatives, and culturally relevant health campaigns. Public awareness efforts should emphasise proper hand-washing, waste management, and disease prevention, ensuring long-term improvements in hygiene behaviour.
• Prioritising School-Based Hygiene & Sanitation Programs: Schools play a vital role in fostering hygiene habits among children. Investments should be directed toward sanitation infrastructure within schools, including hand-washing stations, latrines, and clean water access. Hygiene-focused educational programs must integrate interactive learning approaches, teacher training, and student-led initiatives to encourage consistent and healthy sanitation practices from an early age.
• Community Outreach & Access to Affordable Sanitation Supplies: Governments and international agencies should collaborate with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local businesses to enhance community-based sanitation efforts. Programs should ensure the availability of affordable hygiene products, such as soap, sanitary pads, and disinfectants, while conducting outreach campaigns that emphasise behavioural change. Subsidies and micro-finance options can be introduced to make sanitation supplies more accessible to low-income populations.
• Investment in Locally Adapted Awareness Campaigns: Sanitation education must be tailored to fit local cultural norms and environmental conditions. Governments should design region-specific campaigns utilising visual storytelling, social media engagement, and traditional communication channels like radio and community gatherings. By involving local leaders and influencers, these initiatives can resonate more effectively and enhance hygiene adoption rates across diverse communities.
• Behavioural Change Through Community-Led Initiatives: Encouraging active participation in sanitation improvement requires empowering local communities to take ownership of hygiene practices. Community-led initiatives, such as participatory sanitation planning, peer education programs, and grassroots advocacy, can enhance behavioural change efforts. Governments should allocate resources toward supporting local leaders, training volunteers, and implementing reward-based incentives to reinforce good sanitation habits.

• Strengthening Waste Management Systems & Urban Sanitation Services: Governments must implement comprehensive urban waste management reforms, including stricter waste segregation policies, increased funding for sanitation infrastructure, and improved municipal waste collection services. Expanding waste-to-energy conversion technologies will further optimise waste sustainability while reducing environmental impact.
• Investing in Eco-Friendly Sanitation Technologies for Sustainability: Encouraging the adoption of water-efficient toilets, decentralised sewage treatment systems, and biodegradable waste processing solutions will enhance resource conservation and environmental resilience. Governments should subsidise eco-sanitation projects and collaborate with private firms to develop low-cost sustainable waste solutions for underserved areas.
• Expanding Public Health Initiatives for Hygiene Education & Urban Cleanliness: Policymakers must integrate hygiene awareness programs into workplace safety regulations, ensuring regular sanitation audits in factories, offices, and commercial establishments. Strengthening hospital sanitation protocols and healthcare facility waste management will minimise disease outbreaks and enhance public health security.
• Leveraging Digital Campaigns & Mobile Health Applications for Outreach: Governments and health organisations should develop mobile-friendly sanitation awareness campaigns, utilising SMS-based hygiene alerts, app-driven waste tracking, and social media engagement tools to reach wider populations. Implementing interactive sanitation tutorials and gamified health education platforms will improve engagement in underserved communities.
• Expanding Access to Improved Sanitation Through Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging corporate investment in sanitation infrastructure will accelerate access to low-cost waste disposal technologies, expanding urban and rural sanitation networks. Governments must facilitate joint sanitation infrastructure funding agreements, ensuring that private sector contributions align with public health priorities.
• Strengthening Monitoring Systems for Policy Enforcement: Governments must establish centralised sanitation regulation agencies tasked with enforcing waste disposal compliance, hygiene certification for businesses, and community sanitation standards. Strengthening real-time waste tracking systems, integrating AI-driven sanitation audits, and expanding public reporting channels for sanitation violations will ensure accountability.

• Reducing Sanitation-Related Environmental Pollution through Circular Systems: Governments must reform sanitation infrastructure to align with circular economy principles. This includes promoting closed-loop wastewater systems where treated effluent is reused for agriculture, landscaping, and industrial applications. Policy incentives should support the adoption of nutrient recovery technologies to convert waste into bioenergy and fertilisers, reducing pollution and creating economic value. Clear environmental standards and monitoring systems are essential to ensure compliance and reduce discharge of untreated waste into natural water bodies.
• Equitable Access to Sanitation in Disadvantaged and Marginalised Communities: Equity-focused policies should drive infrastructure expansion in informal settlements, rural areas, and underserved urban neighbourhoods. Governments should finance the construction of gender-sensitive, disability-friendly sanitation facilities and provide subsidies or vouchers for low-income households. Community-led maintenance and management models can enhance sustainability and promote ownership, while mapping underserved areas will help target interventions where they’re most needed.
• Integrating Hygiene and Sanitation into Public Health and Environmental Policies: Sanitation and hygiene education should be mainstreamed into national environmental and health strategies. Governments can launch integrated awareness campaigns on hand-washing, menstrual hygiene, and safe water use in schools, healthcare facilities, and workplaces. These campaigns must be culturally sensitive and multilingual to ensure broad reach, particularly among migrant workers and ethnic minorities. Partnerships with public health institutions can strengthen surveillance of sanitation-related diseases and inform policy responses.
• Targeted Support for Vulnerable Populations: Dedicated sanitation and hygiene interventions must be designed for homeless populations, migrant workers, and displaced persons. This includes establishing mobile or temporary sanitation units in high-need areas, ensuring access to hygiene supplies, and integrating water and sanitation services into broader social protection programs. Governments should also collaborate with NGOs and local authorities to provide wraparound services that address intersecting vulnerabilities.
• Sustainable Wastewater Management for Public Health Gains: Long-term investments in decentralised, nature-based, and resource-efficient wastewater treatment systems are crucial. Governments should prioritise cost-effective technologies such as constructed wetlands, anaerobic digesters, and modular treatment units, especially for peri-urban and rural contexts. Data-driven planning and public-private financing models can scale these systems, improving water quality, reducing disease transmission, and contributing to climate adaptation goals.

• Deploying Emergency Sanitation Solutions in Crisis-Affected Areas: Emergency response teams must prioritise the rapid provision of mobile toilets, hand-washing stations, and safe waste disposal units in disaster zones, refugee camps, and informal settlements. These facilities should be strategically placed to ensure gender safety, cultural appropriateness, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Partnerships with sanitation-focused NGOs and suppliers can streamline deployment logistics and ensure quality standards in high-pressure contexts.
• Ensuring Immediate Access to Hygiene Essentials and Disease Prevention: Crisis interventions must include distribution of hygiene kits containing soap, sanitary products, disinfectants, clean water containers, and information materials on disease prevention. Health education campaigns—delivered through posters, community health workers, and local media—should promote hand hygiene, safe toilet use, and water handling practices. Messaging should be multilingual and trauma-informed, reflecting the diverse needs of displaced and vulnerable populations.
• Rebuilding Sanitation Infrastructure with Resilience and Inclusion in Mind: Long-term recovery should prioritise reconstruction of sanitation systems—ranging from centralised sewage treatment to decentralised ecological toilets—tailored to both urban and rural settings. These systems must be designed for climate resilience, future population growth, and resource efficiency (e.g., water reuse, nutrient recovery). Inclusive planning processes should involve displaced communities to ensure that the infrastructure meets their needs and fosters ownership.
• Developing Robust Waste Management and Sanitation Governance Policies: Governments and international partners must support the development of integrated waste management frameworks that address solid and faecal waste streams, particularly in fragile and post-conflict settings. This includes establishing regulatory standards, workforce development, and reliable financing mechanisms for ongoing maintenance. Data systems should track service delivery and environmental outcomes to ensure transparency and continual improvement.
• Integrating Hygiene Education into Recovery and Development Programs: Hygiene awareness must be embedded across humanitarian aid programs, school curricula, and community engagement initiatives. Training should target frontline health workers, teachers, and local leaders to become hygiene ambassadors. Campaigns should evolve over time—from emergency-focused messaging to sustainable behaviour change strategies—reinforcing healthy practices long after crises subside.

6.3.1 - Proportion of domestic and industrial wastewater flows safely treated.

6.3.2 - Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.

• Investment in Basic Wastewater Treatment Facilities & Stricter Waste Disposal Regulations: Governments must allocate resources to construct and upgrade wastewater treatment plants, ensuring proper removal of contaminants before discharge into natural water sources. Stricter regulations on industrial and agricultural waste disposal should be enforced through rigorous monitoring, penalties for non-compliance, and incentives for sustainable waste management practices. Expanding centralised and decentralised wastewater treatment solutions can improve water quality and mitigate environmental hazards.
• International Support for Pollution Monitoring & Prevention Strategies: International organisations should provide funding and technical expertise to enhance pollution tracking systems, develop real-time water quality monitoring technology, and enforce stringent contamination limits. Collaborative efforts can support satellite-based pollution detection, standardised reporting mechanisms, and emergency response protocols for environmental disasters. Capacity-building programs must be strengthened to ensure governments have the expertise and infrastructure to sustain monitoring efforts.
• Expansion of Basic Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure: Governments must prioritise the development of modern wastewater treatment systems tailored to regional needs. This includes constructing efficient sewage treatment plants, implementing nature-based filtration methods, and upgrading outdated facilities with advanced purification technologies. Special attention should be given to decentralised wastewater treatment systems, which enable localised sanitation solutions for remote and rural communities.
• Promotion of Decentralised Treatment Systems & Water Reuse in Agriculture: Encouraging decentralised wastewater treatment systems can reduce operational costs while improving sanitation outcomes in underserved areas. Governments should support small-scale purification facilities, eco-friendly filtration methods, and innovations in decentralised sewage processing. Additionally, integrating water reuse into agricultural practices—such as irrigation with treated wastewater—can enhance water conservation efforts and reduce pressure on natural water sources.
• International Support for Technology Adoption & Capacity Building: Global partnerships should focus on supporting developing nations in adopting advanced water treatment technologies and strengthening local technical expertise. International funding can facilitate research and development of low-cost purification solutions, assist in infrastructure modernisation, and provide training programs for sanitation professionals. A collaborative approach to technology transfer and knowledge-sharing ensures that sustainable water treatment solutions are effectively implemented.
• Investment in Basic Water Testing Infrastructure & Training for Local Experts: Governments should allocate financial resources to develop reliable water testing laboratories, improve contamination detection methods, and establish real-time surveillance systems. Training programs for local water quality experts must be expanded to ensure proper data collection, analysis, and enforcement of safety standards. Additionally, integrating mobile testing units and community-led water quality assessment initiatives can improve transparency and accessibility in monitoring efforts.
• International Partnerships to Support Monitoring Capacity Development: Collaborations between governments and international organisations should strengthen water quality monitoring infrastructure and capacity-building programs. Investments should focus on equipping laboratories with modern testing equipment, integrating automated water quality sensors, and training personnel on contamination prevention. Shared research initiatives and technology exchanges can improve the global approach to water safety, ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.

• Strengthening Environmental Laws & Incentivising Sustainable Industry Practices: Governments must enforce strict pollution control policies that mandate industry compliance with chemical discharge limitations and sustainable resource management. Expanding green tax incentives and subsidies for businesses adopting eco-friendly production methods will encourage widespread implementation of cleaner technologies. Strengthening penalties for non-compliance and promoting certification programs for sustainable manufacturing will further enhance adherence.
• Expanding Access to Advanced Filtration Technologies for Improved Water Quality: Investing in high-efficiency filtration systems, reverse osmosis purification, and biological treatment solutions will improve water safety and accessibility. Governments should subsidise filtration technology costs for small businesses and local industries to encourage adoption. Developing partnerships with research institutions to accelerate innovation in cost-effective filtration methods will facilitate broader implementation.
• Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks for Wastewater Recycling Efficiency: Policymakers should enforce mandatory industrial wastewater treatment protocols, ensuring that businesses comply with closed-loop water recycling systems. Offering financial incentives for industries to install advanced wastewater recovery technologies, such as membrane bioreactors and constructed wetlands, will promote widespread reuse. Strengthening public-private partnerships to develop decentralised wastewater treatment facilities will enhance sustainability efforts.
• Expanding Research on Cost-Effective Treatment Methods for Widespread Implementation: Governments must support funding programs for water treatment research, focusing on low-cost filtration and energy-efficient purification solutions. Encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations between environmental scientists, engineers, and industry stakeholders will accelerate technological advancements. Establishing pilot projects to test and refine scalable treatment models will ensure practical application in both urban and rural areas.
• Expanding Digital Water Monitoring Networks & AI-Powered Pollution Detection Systems: Deploying real-time water quality tracking networks that utilise IoT-based sensors and AI-driven analytics will enhance early detection of contamination and optimise regulation enforcement. Strengthening automated reporting platforms for industries and municipalities will streamline compliance monitoring. Governments must integrate digital water management frameworks with blockchain verification systems to ensure transparency in pollution control.
• Enforcing Stricter Water Quality Regulations for Sustainable Resource Protection: Policymakers should tighten environmental compliance audits, expand independent regulatory inspections, and strengthen penalties for industrial violations to maintain high water quality standards. Implementing public reporting mechanisms that allow communities to track and report pollution incidents will increase accountability.

• Innovative Treatment Strategies for Emerging Pollutant Reduction: Governments should lead the adoption of next-generation water treatment technologies capable of targeting microplastics, pharmaceutical residues, and other persistent pollutants. Investments in pilot-scale studies and full-scale deployment of advanced oxidation processes, nanofiltration, membrane bioreactors, and electrochemical treatments should be prioritised. National funding competitions can spur innovation in pollution-targeted tech, while regulatory fast-tracking should support the market entry of proven solutions.
• Strengthening Corporate Responsibility and Industrial Sustainability: To drive pollution prevention at the source, policymakers should mandate producer responsibility schemes that hold industries accountable for environmental externalities linked to their products and effluents. Environmental permits should be linked to pollution reduction benchmarks, while tax incentives and public recognition can reward companies that achieve clean production targets. Partnerships between regulators and industry associations can help disseminate best practices and encourage industry-wide shifts toward greener manufacturing.
• Circular Economy Integration in Wastewater Management: Governments must embed circular economy principles into national water strategies by enabling treated wastewater reuse in agriculture, urban landscaping, and industrial cooling. Policy frameworks should support nutrient recovery (e.g. phosphorus and nitrogen) from wastewater streams and promote water reuse infrastructure in new developments. Municipal water utilities should be supported with tools, training, and finance to transform traditional linear systems into closed-loop networks.
• Fostering Public Acceptance of Recycled Water for Broader Use: Public outreach campaigns grounded in science communication and behavioural psychology are crucial to gaining trust in recycled water initiatives. Governments should invest in demonstration projects that showcase the safety and success of potable reuse technologies, accompanied by transparent monitoring and public reporting. Curriculum inclusion in schools and media engagement can further normalise water reuse as a sustainable practice aligned with climate resilience and resource stewardship.
• Environmental Risk-Based Regulation for Pollutant Control: Environmental risk assessments must underpin pollutant regulation frameworks, ensuring that decisions reflect current scientific knowledge and exposure pathways. Regulatory agencies should establish pollutant watchlists with thresholds for action, drawing from national health, ecological, and wastewater monitoring data. Multi-stakeholder advisory panels can lend expertise to shape dynamic, responsive regulation tailored to emerging chemical threats.

• Deploying Mobile Water Purification and Contamination Control Solutions: In the immediate aftermath of disasters or conflict, emergency response teams must deploy mobile purification units—such as reverse osmosis systems, UV treatment kits, and chlorine disinfection modules—to restore access to safe drinking water. Simultaneously, rapid-response teams should implement pollution control measures to contain hazardous spills and prevent further contamination of water sources. Coordinated logistics and pre-stocked emergency kits can ensure timely deployment in high-risk areas.
• Prioritising Portable Wastewater Recycling and On-Site Treatment Technologies: Portable recycling units capable of treating grey-water and black-water on-site should be standard in emergency response arsenals. These systems, using membrane bioreactors or modular anaerobic digesters, help reduce waterborne disease transmission and preserve scarce water resources. Integration with hand-washing facilities and hygiene hubs ensures a holistic response to sanitation and hygiene needs in crisis contexts.
• Rebuilding Water Infrastructure with a Resilient and Inclusive Lens: As crises subside, governments and partners must invest in the reconstruction of water infrastructure—ensuring systems are climate-resilient, future-proofed, and equitably accessible. This includes replacing damaged pipelines, restoring pumping and treatment stations, and strengthening institutional capacity for operation and maintenance. Gender-sensitive design, community involvement, and environmental safeguards should guide infrastructure planning and implementation.
• Preventing Illegal Waste Dumping Through Governance and Surveillance: Long-term recovery must include enforcement mechanisms to prevent illegal dumping into water bodies, particularly as reconstruction generates new waste flows. This can include deploying drone surveillance, strengthening legal penalties, and establishing community watchdog networks. Public awareness campaigns on environmental responsibility, coupled with accessible legal recourse, can empower citizens to report violations.
• Integrating Mobile Testing and Continuous Monitoring into Recovery Frameworks: In both immediate and long-term efforts, mobile testing units equipped to detect chemical, microbial, and physical contaminants should be used to assess water safety in real time. Data collected should feed into centralised monitoring systems, which become the foundation for national water quality management. Governments should scale up sensor networks and remote monitoring tools while investing in local laboratory capacity to validate field data.
• Establishing Regulatory Frameworks for Wastewater Reuse and Quality Assurance: Post-crisis rebuilding is an opportunity to set clear regulations for wastewater reuse, ensuring that treated effluent meets safety standards for agriculture, industry, or even potable applications where viable. Standards must be accompanied by permitting processes, performance audits, and public reporting to build trust and accountability. Capacity building for water authorities and operators will be essential to uphold these frameworks sustainably.

6.4.1 - Change in water-use efficiency over time.

6.4.2 - Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources.

• Investment in Water-Efficient Irrigation Techniques & Conservation Awareness: Governments must prioritise funding for advanced irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, to enhance water efficiency in agriculture. By reducing water waste and improving soil moisture retention, these techniques can promote sustainable farming practices while increasing crop yields. Public awareness campaigns should emphasise conservation strategies, including responsible irrigation scheduling, efficient water use in households, and the benefits of reusing treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes.
• Development of Basic Water Conservation Infrastructure: Investing in essential water conservation systems, such as rainwater harvesting structures and improved irrigation networks, is key to reducing dependency on freshwater reserves. Governments should support the installation of rooftop rainwater collection units, community storage reservoirs, and advanced canal lining techniques to minimise water loss. Additionally, local authorities must collaborate with experts to optimise water distribution and prevent over-extraction from groundwater sources.
• Promotion of Community-Based Water Management Programs: Empowering local communities to take charge of their water resources can enhance conservation efforts and ensure long-term sustainability. Governments should establish participatory water governance frameworks that involve farmers, residents, and water committees in decision-making processes. Training programs should be introduced to educate community members on efficient irrigation techniques, water-saving habits, and collective action for watershed protection.
• Expansion of Affordable Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems: Access to cost-effective irrigation solutions must be expanded to support small-scale farmers and underserved agricultural regions. Governments should provide subsidies for purchasing efficient irrigation equipment, including low-pressure sprinkler systems and moisture sensors for precision watering. Financial incentives for adopting water-saving technologies can motivate farmers to transition towards sustainable practices without economic strain.
• Integration of Sustainable Farming Practices: Enhancing water conservation in agriculture requires the adoption of eco-friendly farming methods that optimise resource use. Governments must promote soil conservation techniques, such as mulching and cover cropping, to retain moisture and reduce irrigation demands. Additionally, crop rotation and agroforestry programs should be supported to improve water absorption and prevent land degradation.
• Training Programs for Farmers in Water Management Strategies: Capacity-building initiatives must be introduced to equip farmers with practical knowledge on effective water management. Governments should develop training workshops that teach irrigation efficiency, soil moisture assessment, and drought-resistant cropping methods. Digital platforms offering real-time water usage data and advisory services can also play a crucial role in helping farmers make informed decisions about water conservation.

• Strengthening Water Management Policies With Smart Monitoring Systems: Governments should implement AI-driven water monitoring platforms that track consumption, detect inefficiencies, and provide real-time analytics for sustainable water management. Establishing smart metering infrastructure in industrial and municipal sectors will allow precision tracking of usage, helping policymakers allocate resources more effectively.
• Investing in Leakage Detection Infrastructure for Conservation Efforts: Deploying automated leak detection sensors, pressure monitoring systems, and smart pipeline technology will reduce unnecessary water loss in distribution networks. Governments should integrate remote monitoring platforms that allow proactive identification of infrastructure vulnerabilities, minimising waste.
• Providing Incentives for Efficient Industrial Water Use: Governments must develop financial incentives, tax breaks, and grants for industries adopting water-efficient practices, such as closed-loop recycling systems and advanced filtration technologies. Establishing mandatory sustainability reporting for industrial water consumption will ensure accountability.
• Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks for Efficient Water Use: Policymakers must enforce water conservation mandates, limiting excessive withdrawals and setting standardised efficiency benchmarks across industries. Establishing compliance audits with enforceable penalties for water wastage will reinforce sustainable practices.
• Expanding Wastewater Recycling Initiatives for Long-Term Sustainability: Governments should mandate mandatory wastewater reuse policies, ensuring industries implement modern treatment technologies like reverse osmosis and membrane filtration. Developing incentivised water reuse programs for agriculture, construction, and urban landscaping will further optimise water consumption.
• Improving Urban Water Distribution Networks to Mitigate Shortages: Upgrading ageing pipeline systems, decentralising supply networks, and integrating smart water flow optimisation technologies will enhance urban resilience against water shortages. Expanding stormwater harvesting and urban reservoir projects will further improve water storage capacities.
• Expanding Regulatory Frameworks for Industrial Water Efficiency: Introducing strict compliance standards for industrial water consumption, such as maximum withdrawal limits and water reuse obligations, will ensure corporate accountability. Governments must establish tiered water pricing mechanisms, encouraging high-usage industries to adopt conservation strategies.
• Promoting Incentives for Businesses to Adopt Sustainable Water Technologies: Offering subsidised loans and tax exemptions for companies investing in low-impact water cooling systems, eco-friendly purification processes, and digital tracking tools will drive adoption of innovative solutions. Encouraging corporate partnerships in water conservation research will accelerate best-practice implementation.
• Improving Agricultural Water Management for Sustainability: Governments must implement precision irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation and soil moisture monitoring, to maximise efficiency. Encouraging crop selection based on water needs, expanding rainwater harvesting programs, and developing low-cost desalination techniques will further enhance agricultural sustainability.

• Optimising Water Distribution Networks and Promoting Responsible Consumption: Governments should undertake a systemic overhaul of ageing and inefficient water supply infrastructure by investing in smart water grids, real-time leakage detection technologies, and pressure management systems. These upgrades should be paired with national campaigns that encourage behavioural change in water use across households and businesses. Tiered pricing mechanisms can be employed to reward conservation, while digital dashboards should allow users to monitor their consumption and benchmark it against sustainability targets.
• Accelerating Wastewater Recycling and Water Reuse Innovation: Public investment must be channelled into cutting-edge wastewater recycling systems, such as membrane bioreactors and advanced oxidation processes, that enable safe reuse in both non-potable and potable contexts. Governments should create enabling policies that fast-track regulatory approval of water reuse projects, fund research hubs on water innovation, and integrate reuse systems into building codes for new developments. Cross-sector collaborations can help standardise water quality norms and promote interoperability of technology.
• Reducing Overconsumption in Industry and Agriculture: Governments should implement mandatory water audits for high-use sectors and introduce consumption benchmarks tied to licensing or subsidy eligibility. Industrial facilities can be incentivised to adopt closed-loop systems through tax credits or green procurement preferences. In agriculture, support must be directed toward efficient irrigation methods such as drip and subsurface irrigation, alongside tools like soil moisture sensors and automated irrigation scheduling that reduce water waste while maximising yield.
• Climate-Integrated Water Governance: Water resource policies should be redesigned to reflect climate adaptation imperatives—such as increased drought frequency and variability in precipitation. This means incorporating climate risk assessments into water planning, promoting nature-based solutions like watershed restoration and aquifer recharge, and developing dynamic allocation systems responsive to climatic stress. Local governments should be supported with technical tools and data-sharing platforms to implement these measures effectively.
• Modernising Industrial Water Recycling Systems: Governments should create industry-specific guidelines and performance standards for internal water recycling systems, ensuring that water-intensive sectors like textiles, energy, and food processing achieve meaningful reuse rates. Infrastructure financing programs and innovation grants can lower the adoption barrier for small and medium enterprises. Public reporting frameworks on industrial water footprints can also drive accountability and competition toward higher environmental performance.
• Scaling Precision Irrigation in Agriculture: To minimise overuse of water in farming, governments must promote the large-scale deployment of precision irrigation through subsidies, farmer cooperatives, and public-private extension services. Training programs should equip farmers with the knowledge to use smart technologies, interpret data from sensors or satellites, and tailor irrigation schedules to specific crop and soil needs. Bundling these tools with digital financing and insurance schemes can strengthen resilience and uptake.
• Embedding Sustainability Metrics in Corporate Water Stewardship: Environmental policies should mandate the inclusion of standardised water-related sustainability metrics in corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures. Governments can provide frameworks and guidance for sector-specific reporting, and publicly recognise high-performing companies through sustainability indexes or procurement preferences. These metrics should encompass water intensity, risk exposure, and community impact, aligning business practices with national water conservation goals.

• Ensuring Equitable Access to Clean Water During Emergencies: Emergency interventions must guarantee immediate, inclusive access to clean drinking water for all affected populations—including displaced persons, rural communities, and informal settlements. Rapid deployment of mobile purification units, water tankers, and modular supply networks should be tailored to local geographic and social contexts, ensuring coverage across gender, age, and ability groups. Engagement with local leaders can support effective distribution and community-led oversight.
• Deploying Portable Filtration and Decentralised Conservation Systems: To complement short-term relief, emergency teams should install portable filtration units and decentralised storage systems that continue operating beyond the acute phase. These systems—such as solar-powered ultrafiltration, rainwater harvesting kits, and household-level purification devices—can serve as transitional solutions while long-term infrastructure is rebuilt. Training programs should accompany deployment to build local capacity for operation and maintenance.
• Rebuilding Resilient and Climate-Ready Water Infrastructure: Post-emergency recovery must focus on reconstructing water systems with climate resilience, scalability, and social equity in mind. This includes replacing damaged pipelines with leak-resistant materials, upgrading treatment facilities to withstand future shocks, and decentralising water networks to reduce vulnerability. Infrastructure investments should be informed by risk assessments and future water demand projections, and coordinated across sectors like energy, housing, and agriculture.
• Expanding Temporary Irrigation Solutions in Agricultural Recovery: Where food production is affected, governments and aid agencies should deploy short-term irrigation support such as portable drip kits, treated wastewater systems, and low-tech delivery canals to prevent crop failure and support smallholder livelihoods. These tools should be accompanied by drought-resilient crop seeds and targeted subsidies, ensuring water-efficient practices from the onset of recovery efforts.
• Promoting Industrial Water Conservation During and After Crisis: Emergency response frameworks should include immediate consultations with large water-consuming industries to implement consumption caps, reuse systems, and production slowdowns where needed. As part of long-term water governance reform, industries should be incentivised to retrofit processes for reduced water intensity, adopt internal recycling technologies, and publicly disclose usage patterns through water stewardship certifications.
• Institutionalising Sustainable Water Governance Post-Crisis: Recovery efforts must transition into durable governance reforms that secure safe and equitable water access. This includes strengthening local water institutions, clarifying user rights, updating legal codes, and embedding transparency tools for citizen oversight. Participatory planning processes should ensure community voices shape infrastructure priorities, while digital tools can support real-time monitoring and adaptive management.

6.5.1 - Degree of integrated water resources management.

6.5.2 - Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation.

• Institutional Capacity-Building & Multi-Sector Coordination: Governments should invest in strengthening water management institutions by developing clear governance frameworks, improving regulatory enforcement, and enhancing technical expertise among policymakers. Multi-sector coordination mechanisms must be established to integrate perspectives from agriculture, industry, urban development, and environmental organisations, ensuring holistic and effective water policy implementation. Additionally, fostering local stakeholder engagement through participatory decision-making processes will help align national water policies with community needs.
• Regional Water Diplomacy & Collaborative Infrastructure Investments: Governments must actively participate in regional water diplomacy efforts to address cross-border water challenges and foster cooperative solutions. Strengthening international partnerships through joint agreements, basin-sharing negotiations, and treaty enforcement can improve long-term water security. Enhancing data-sharing mechanisms among neighbouring countries will facilitate better resource management, early warning systems for droughts, and coordinated efforts in flood prevention. Additionally, governments should invest in large-scale collaborative infrastructure projects, such as transboundary dam management and shared irrigation systems, to ensure equitable water access.
• Community-Led Water Infrastructure Development: Investing in community-driven water infrastructure projects will empower local populations to take ownership of resource management. Governments should support small-scale water initiatives, including localised water storage facilities, decentralised treatment plants, and grassroots conservation programs. Funding models should prioritise direct community engagement, ensuring that infrastructure projects are designed to serve the specific needs of the local population while promoting sustainability and resilience.
• Support for Local Water Committees & Participatory Governance: Establishing and strengthening local water committees can enhance long-term water governance at the community level. Governments should facilitate the formation of water management councils that allow residents to contribute to decision-making processes, monitor water usage, and implement conservation strategies. Providing technical training and capacity-building programs for committee members will improve resource allocation and encourage transparency in local water governance.
• Education Programs on Sustainable Resource Management: Sustainable water management requires widespread awareness and knowledge-sharing. Governments should prioritise education programs that teach water conservation techniques, pollution prevention strategies, and climate-adaptive water usage practices. Schools, community centres, and agricultural training institutes should integrate water sustainability curricula, while digital and media platforms can further amplify awareness campaigns. By empowering citizens with knowledge and tools for responsible water stewardship, long-term conservation goals can be achieved effectively.

• Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks for Inter-Sectoral Water Governance: Governments must implement coordinated water management policies that integrate decision-making across agriculture, industry, urban planning, and environmental conservation. Establishing multi-sector water councils that bring together policymakers, businesses, and local communities can ensure a balanced approach to resource allocation. Expanding legal oversight mechanisms will enhance accountability and equitable distribution across different sectors.
• Promoting Investment in Joint Infrastructure Projects for Cooperation Efforts: Encouraging multi-stakeholder investment in water infrastructure, such as regional reservoirs, advanced irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment plants, will support long-term cooperation. Governments should facilitate cross-sector funding models, ensuring industries and local governments work collaboratively to develop resilient water systems.
• Encouraging Public-Private Partnerships for Water Resource Management: Policymakers must incentivise corporate involvement in sustainable water projects, ensuring businesses contribute to conservation initiatives while benefiting from efficiency improvements. Expanding PPP models that fund smart water technologies, desalination plants, and eco-friendly purification systems will foster innovative solutions for resource conservation.
• Strengthening Legal Frameworks for Transboundary Water Management: International agreements must incorporate binding legal provisions on equitable resource sharing, ensuring water bodies spanning multiple countries are protected under collaborative policies. Strengthening cross-border water arbitration mechanisms will provide structured dispute resolution processes between nations.
• Integrating Environmental Sustainability Into Water-Sharing Policies: Governments should enforce ecosystem-based management approaches, requiring industries and municipalities to adhere to strict conservation standards when using shared water bodies. Implementing nature-based filtration systems and wetland restoration projects will enhance long-term water security while maintaining biodiversity.
• Fostering Cross-Border Partnerships for Transboundary Resource Governance: Regional alliances must establish joint water monitoring networks, ensuring real-time quality tracking and data-sharing mechanisms to mitigate overuse and pollution. Strengthening regional agreements on water governance through diplomatic cooperation will improve stability and prevent future conflicts over water access.
• Mandating Public Participation in Water Policy Decision-Making: Governments should require community representation in water governance councils, ensuring local voices shape water allocation and conservation decisions. Establishing legally binding citizen consultation processes will enhance transparency and accountability in policymaking.
• Expanding Funding for Grassroots Water Conservation Initiatives: Public and private entities must invest in community-led water protection programs, providing financial and technical resources to grassroots organisations focusing on conservation, education, and sustainable practices. Grants and subsidies should be allocated to water stewardship training programs, enabling residents to participate in local management efforts.
• Integrating Digital Tools for Local Water Monitoring & Engagement: Deploying smart water tracking applications, public-access data dashboards, and mobile reporting systems will allow citizens to monitor water conditions and report environmental violations. Governments must collaborate with tech companies and research institutions to develop AI-powered forecasting models that inform conservation efforts.

• Optimising Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and Data Sharing Systems: Governments should modernise IWRM frameworks by creating interoperable water information systems that consolidate real-time data on hydrology, quality, consumption, and infrastructure performance. These platforms should use open data standards to facilitate sharing between water utilities, environmental agencies, and local stakeholders. Investments in geospatial technology, remote sensing, and AI-powered analytics can enhance forecasting and risk management, while training programs build the capacity of public institutions to make evidence-informed decisions.
• Fostering International Cooperation for Global Water Security: To address transboundary water challenges, governments must engage in regional water diplomacy through platforms like basin commissions, multilateral agreements, and intergovernmental task forces. Financial and technical resources should be dedicated to joint infrastructure projects and early warning systems that benefit multiple nations. Support for global frameworks, such as the UN Water Convention and SDG 6 targets, should be institutionalised through budget commitments and foreign policy alignment.
• Supporting Mediation and Conflict Resolution in Shared Water Systems: Governments should provide logistical, legal, and diplomatic support for international water mediation mechanisms in regions prone to hydro-political tension. This includes offering neutral venues, conflict-sensitive technical assistance, and tools for benefit-sharing negotiations. Legal advisory services can help facilitate water allocation agreements grounded in equity and ecosystem sustainability, while funding for civil society dialogue strengthens inclusive conflict resolution processes.
• Advancing Research on Adaptive Shared Governance: Investments in academic and applied research are essential to develop adaptive, polycentric governance models for shared water basins. Research should focus on climate-resilient agreements, institutional harmonisation across borders, and participatory monitoring systems that include upstream and downstream actors. Governments can sponsor research collaborations among universities, river basin organisations, and think tanks, fostering peer learning and cross-regional innovation.
• Supporting Citizen-Led Water Conservation and Collaborative Governance: Local initiatives must be empowered through flexible funding mechanisms, capacity-building workshops, and policy spaces that recognise community voices in water governance. Governments should institutionalise community representation in watershed committees, water boards, and budget consultations, ensuring decisions reflect local priorities and traditional knowledge. Civic tech platforms can be used to crowdsource data on water use, conservation practices, and infrastructure gaps.
• Funding Research on Community-Based Water Resilience: Governments should finance trans-disciplinary research on grassroots water resilience, focusing on climate adaptation, ecosystem services, and social equity. Research grants should be prioritised for projects co-designed with communities and inclusive of Indigenous and marginalised groups. Outcomes from this research should inform national policy frameworks and be shared through accessible knowledge repositories to inspire replication across similar contexts.

• Engaging Multi-Sector Actors in Emergency Water System Restoration: In the immediate aftermath of crises, emergency response strategies must actively coordinate across sectors, health, housing, environment, agriculture, and local governance, to assess needs and co-develop water system restoration plans. This includes mapping critical dependencies, such as water for healthcare or shelter, and forming rapid coordination cells that unite utilities, NGOs, engineers, and local leaders to co-manage water supply stabilisation. Early involvement of diverse sectors ensures infrastructure is rebuilt to serve multi-use functions and avoids siloed, inefficient recovery.
• Ensuring Equitable Access to Shared Water Sources in Crisis Settings: Crisis response must guarantee that all affected groups, including host communities, displaced populations, and marginalised minorities, have safe, fair access to shared water sources such as wells, rivers, or storage tanks. This requires coordinated water distribution points, culturally sensitive placement of facilities, and mechanisms to mediate and resolve conflicts over limited resources. Equitable access frameworks should be guided by humanitarian standards (like Sphere) and monitored through community feedback and rapid assessments.
• Engaging Displaced Populations in Water Governance During Response: Humanitarian water interventions should include displaced persons not just as recipients but as contributors engaging them in water infrastructure planning, governance committees, and outreach efforts. Utilising local knowledge and co-design approaches improves responsiveness to specific needs and creates a sense of ownership that supports long-term sustainability. Roles in water management (e.g., maintenance, distribution oversight) can also provide temporary livelihoods and build social cohesion.
• Stabilising Governance Structures for Sustainable Water Recovery: Long-term recovery must prioritise rebuilding or strengthening institutional water governance—clarifying roles, mandates, and resourcing for local, regional, and national water agencies. This includes capacity-building for service delivery, updating water laws and licensing frameworks, and embedding conflict sensitivity in institutional reform. Integrating traditional and community water management practices into formal systems can enhance legitimacy and ensure governance is both inclusive and adaptive.
• Promoting Cross-Sector Sustainability and Joint Development Frameworks: Governments should institutionalise cross-sector collaboration through permanent coordination mechanisms—such as inter-ministerial task forces and joint planning platforms—that embed water considerations into broader resilience agendas like energy, agriculture, and land management. Long-term agreements should incorporate cooperative financing, joint maintenance strategies, and shared monitoring systems, particularly in transboundary or peri-urban areas. These mechanisms reduce fragility and foster peace dividends by linking water development to broader stability efforts.
• Integrating Community-Driven Solutions into National Rebuilding Plans: National rebuilding strategies should formally integrate successful community-based models, such as water user associations, village-level conservation committees, and participatory budgeting for water services. Governments and donors must provide channels for these local innovations to scale through technical assistance, policy recognition, and financial support. Embedding community solutions in national policy enhances accountability, ensures cultural relevance, and increases resilience to future crises.

6.6.1 - Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time.

• Investment in Wetland Restoration & Ecosystem Conservation: Governments should prioritise funding for wetland restoration projects to protect biodiversity, improve water filtration, and enhance climate resilience. This includes reforestation of degraded wetland areas, removal of invasive species, and establishment of protected zones to preserve natural habitats. Integrating local conservation practices, such as community-led monitoring and traditional land stewardship methods, into national environmental policies can ensure sustainable wetland management and long-term ecological health.
• Enforcement of Pollution Regulations & Industrial Waste Management: Stricter pollution regulations must be enforced to prevent contamination of aquatic ecosystems. Governments should develop stringent policies to regulate industrial wastewater discharge, agricultural runoff, and urban pollution. Monitoring mechanisms must be strengthened through real-time surveillance technology, environmental audits, and legal penalties for violations. Public education campaigns should also highlight the impact of pollution on ecosystems and promote responsible waste disposal practices.
• Investment in Drought-Resistant Infrastructure & Climate Adaptation: Governments should invest in climate-resilient infrastructure to mitigate the effects of drought and water scarcity. This includes developing drought-resistant irrigation techniques, building desalination plants for water purification, and enhancing watershed management systems. Integrating sustainable farming practices, such as agroforestry and soil moisture conservation, can help communities adapt to changing climatic conditions while reducing dependence on freshwater sources.
• Expansion of Rainwater Harvesting Systems & Water Conservation Strategies: Rainwater harvesting is a crucial solution for securing water access in arid and drought-prone regions. Governments should support the development of large-scale rainwater collection infrastructure, including rooftop harvesting systems, underground storage tanks, and community reservoirs. Policies should incentivise households, businesses, and agricultural sectors to adopt water-saving technologies while promoting conservation practices, such as grey-water recycling and efficient irrigation methods.
• Local Climate Education Programs & Public Awareness Initiatives: Educating communities about climate adaptation strategies is key to enhancing resilience against environmental changes. Governments should fund school-based climate literacy programs, public workshops on sustainable water management, and media campaigns that emphasise conservation efforts. Capacity-building initiatives should empower local leaders with knowledge on disaster preparedness, resource sustainability, and adaptive environmental policies to ensure long-term ecological stability.
• Investment in Habitat Restoration & Aquatic Ecosystem Protection: Restoring degraded habitats is vital for preserving aquatic ecosystems and safeguarding biodiversity. Governments should allocate resources for reforestation of riverbanks, mangrove conservation projects, and rehabilitation of coral reefs. Encouraging ecotourism initiatives that promote responsible environmental practices can help generate funding while fostering public participation in conservation efforts.
• Strengthening Community-Led Conservation Initiatives: Empowering communities to take an active role in environmental protection enhances conservation outcomes. Governments should support local stewardship programs, such as citizen science initiatives, indigenous-led conservation efforts, and participatory watershed management schemes. Funding for grassroots environmental organisations, technical training for conservationists, and legal protection for ecological defenders can strengthen long-term sustainability efforts.

• Strengthening Ecosystem Monitoring Systems for Enhanced Protection: Governments must expand real-time environmental tracking networks, utilising AI-driven satellite monitoring, IoT-based sensors, and remote sensing technology to assess ecosystem health. Developing centralised biodiversity data hubs will improve transparency and coordination between conservation agencies.
• Promoting Sustainable Land-Use Planning for Long-Term Environmental Stability: Policies should prioritise smart zoning regulations, eco-friendly urban expansion, and protected area mapping to limit environmental degradation. Encouraging community-led land management initiatives will promote localised conservation efforts while ensuring responsible land use.
• Incentivising Conservation Efforts Among Industries: Governments must introduce green tax credits, eco-compliance subsidies, and corporate conservation funding programs to encourage private-sector participation in environmental protection. Establishing strict emissions reduction goals and rewarding sustainable business models will foster industry-wide commitment to conservation.
• Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks for Integrated Climate & Water Management: Policymakers should standardise climate adaptation policies, integrating water sustainability laws with carbon reduction mandates to ensure ecosystem resilience. Strengthening cross-sector climate data-sharing agreements will optimise resource conservation strategies.
• Expanding Early Warning Systems for Disaster Preparedness: Governments must deploy automated flood prediction models, AI-driven climate forecasting, and community-based alert networks to improve disaster response capabilities. Establishing mobile disaster notification systems will enhance public awareness and emergency preparedness.
• Developing Resilient Urban Drainage Systems for Climate Adaptation: Cities must implement nature-based flood mitigation solutions, including green roofs, permeable pavements, and urban wetland restoration to reduce climate vulnerabilities. Investing in stormwater retention infrastructure will minimise urban flooding risks while preserving water resources.
• Expanding Sustainable Fisheries Management for Marine Conservation: Governments should enforce responsible fishing quotas, expand marine protected areas, and incentivise eco-friendly aquaculture practices to prevent overfishing and biodiversity loss. Strengthening digital fishery tracking systems will improve compliance monitoring.
• Promoting Eco-Friendly Industry Practices for Environmental Protection: Corporations must adopt low-carbon production methods, waste-to-energy initiatives, and sustainable material sourcing to reduce environmental footprints. Governments should introduce regulatory incentives for industries transitioning to circular economy models.
• Developing Biodiversity Monitoring Systems for Conservation Efforts: Policymakers should establish AI-powered species tracking networks, expanding wildlife habitat assessments and satellite-based deforestation monitoring to safeguard ecosystems. Encouraging community-led biodiversity observation programs will enhance local participation in conservation strategies.

• Responding to Emerging Ecological Threats Like Climate-Induced Habitat Loss: Governments must integrate ecosystem-based adaptation into national climate strategies by safeguarding critical habitats—such as wetlands, forests, and alpine zones—through protected area expansion, restoration programs, and ecological corridor planning. Spatial data tools and vulnerability mapping should guide habitat prioritisation, while funding should support relocation and resilience strategies for species and communities facing habitat displacement. Cross-ministerial cooperation is essential to address land-use conflicts and incorporate ecosystem resilience into infrastructure and energy policies.
• Supporting International Water Conservation Through Funding and Technical Assistance: To bolster global water security, governments should increase overseas development assistance (ODA) dedicated to transboundary watershed management, small-scale irrigation projects, and climate-resilient water infrastructure in water-stressed regions. Technical assistance programs should provide expertise in leak detection, community water governance, and integrated water resource management. Multilateral cooperation platforms—such as through the UN, World Bank, or regional compacts—should be used to mobilise finance and align technical standards for shared impact.
• Implementing Large-Scale Climate Adaptation Projects: Governments must prioritise nature-based and engineered solutions for coastal protection, such as mangrove restoration, wetland buffers, and sea wall enhancements in climate-vulnerable zones. Glacier-fed watershed management should involve real-time monitoring systems, adaptive dam operations, and planning for downstream water shortages. In urban areas, policies should promote sponge city designs, green roofs, floodable parks, and sustainable drainage systems that enhance climate resilience while improving urban liveability. Climate finance should be unlocked through public-private partnerships and green bonds.
• Mitigating Ocean Acidification and Microplastic Pollution: To address these emerging threats, governments should adopt pollution prevention strategies upstream by regulating plastic production, incentivising alternatives to single-use materials, and enforcing strict marine waste disposal rules. Investment in ocean acidification monitoring systems and research on ecological thresholds is crucial. National strategies should target reductions in carbon dioxide and non-CO₂ acidifying emissions, aligning ocean protection goals with broader climate action. Wastewater and stormwater filtration systems should be upgraded to capture microplastics before they reach aquatic ecosystems.
• Strengthening Global Biodiversity Conservation Through Financial and Technical Support: Governments should increase their contributions to international biodiversity funds such as the Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund, earmarking resources for species protection, invasive species management, and ecosystem restoration in biodiversity hotspots. Technical missions should support protected area management, environmental impact assessments, and genetic diversity research in lower-capacity countries. Diplomatic efforts should reinforce commitments to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and ensure biodiversity safeguards are embedded in trade and development agreements.

• Deploying Emergency Environmental Protection to Halt Further Degradation: In the wake of environmental disasters, emergency response must swiftly deploy containment strategies to prevent further damage, such as erosion control barriers, oil spill containment booms, and temporary runoff filtration systems. Rapid environmental impact assessments should guide these interventions, prioritising ecologically sensitive zones and endangered species habitats. Coordination with environmental agencies, indigenous knowledge holders, and local conservation organisations ensures timely and context-relevant responses.
• Securing Emergency Water Access with Mobile and Flexible Systems: To ensure lifesaving water access in crisis settings, response teams should deploy mobile purification units, utilising ultraviolet, reverse osmosis, or chlorine-based technologies, and establish temporary pipelines, bladder tanks, or water trucking operations to reach affected populations. These distribution systems must be adaptable to terrain, migration flows, and climatic conditions, with inclusive planning to address the needs of displaced persons and marginalised groups.
• Restoring Ecosystems as a Cornerstone of Long-Term Recovery: Recovery plans must centre on regenerating degraded landscapes through ecological restoration programs—including wetland revitalisation, native reforestation, watershed rebalancing, and coral or mangrove rehabilitation. Nature-based solutions should be prioritised for their dual role in ecosystem recovery and climate resilience, while environmental monitoring systems track the progress of these initiatives. Long-term success depends on integrating local communities in stewardship roles and aligning restoration with biodiversity and land use goals.
• Rebuilding Sustainable and Inclusive Environmental Governance: Governments should use the recovery period to rebuild and modernise governance frameworks for resource management—clarifying institutional roles, enshrining environmental protections in law, and embedding participatory mechanisms in decision-making processes. This includes strengthening enforcement agencies, investing in environmental education, and ensuring that marginalised communities have legal and financial access to defend their ecological rights.
• Scaling Climate Adaptation and Resilience Capacity: Long-term water and ecosystem security demands robust climate adaptation planning. Governments and development partners should invest in capacity-building for integrated water resource management, ecosystem-based adaptation, and disaster risk reduction. Climate data hubs, scenario modelling, and decentralised planning platforms can empower local institutions to anticipate and respond to future threats while protecting both people and nature.

6.a.1 - Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan.

• Participation in Global Water Partnerships & International Collaboration: Governments should actively engage in global water partnerships to facilitate knowledge exchange, policy alignment, and resource-sharing for sustainable water management. Strengthening diplomatic relations through participation in multilateral agreements and basin-sharing initiatives can improve cooperation on transboundary water challenges. Joint efforts with international water organisations will help secure technical expertise and innovative solutions for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Securing International Funding for Water Infrastructure Development: Governments must seek financial assistance from international donors, development banks, and climate adaptation funds to support water infrastructure expansion. Accessing grants and concessional loans can accelerate the construction of water treatment plants, distribution networks, and sanitation facilities. Collaborative financing mechanisms, such as blended public-private investment models, can ensure long-term economic viability while improving water accessibility for underserved populations.
• Enhancing Technical Capacity-Building Initiatives: Strengthening technical expertise within water management institutions is essential for efficient governance. Governments should prioritise training programs for engineers, policy analysts, and field operators to ensure competency in advanced water systems, regulatory enforcement, and sustainable resource management. Partnerships with international technical assistance programs can provide specialised training, research opportunities, and knowledge-sharing platforms for improved institutional capacity.
• Investment in Vocational Water Management Training Programs: Developing vocational training programs focused on water management will equip local professionals with the skills needed to maintain and optimise infrastructure. Governments should collaborate with educational institutions and industry experts to design courses on water treatment technologies, groundwater conservation methods, and climate-adaptive water usage. Certification programs should be introduced to improve professional qualifications and workforce readiness in the water sector.
• Establishing Partnerships with International Technical Assistance Programs: Partnering with global technical assistance organisations can enhance national water security strategies by introducing cutting-edge technologies, best practices, and capacity-building resources. Governments should leverage international expertise in water resource modelling, pollution control strategies, and climate resilience planning to refine policy frameworks and strengthen local implementation.
• Development of Local Knowledge-Sharing Networks: Building local networks dedicated to water management knowledge-sharing can empower communities to address regional challenges effectively. Governments should establish forums, online platforms, and regional workshops where researchers, engineers, and farmers exchange ideas and collaborate on sustainable solutions. Encouraging peer-to-peer learning between water professionals and grassroots organisations can enhance innovation and ensure long-term conservation success.
• International Development Assistance & Infrastructure Expansion: Governments must strategically seek international development assistance to fund large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at improving water accessibility. Mobilising financial support from global development agencies and donor programs can facilitate the construction of reservoirs, water purification plants, and sustainable irrigation networks. Integrating modern engineering solutions and climate resilience measures into these projects will ensure long-term sustainability.
• Creation of Dedicated Water Investment Funds: Establishing dedicated water investment funds will enable the long-term financing of critical infrastructure and conservation projects. Governments should collaborate with financial institutions and investors to create structured funding mechanisms that allocate resources toward sanitation, water supply expansion, and flood prevention initiatives. Encouraging responsible investment in water security through tax incentives and risk-sharing models can attract private sector participation in sustainability efforts.
• Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainable Water Development: Governments should leverage public-private partnerships (PPPs) to enhance efficiency in water infrastructure development and service delivery. Engaging private enterprises in water treatment technology innovation, sustainable irrigation system expansion, and infrastructure modernisation will accelerate progress while optimising cost-effectiveness. Transparent governance frameworks and performance-based contracts must be established to ensure accountability and equitable access for all communities.

• Strengthening Diplomatic Engagement for Global Water Security: Governments should enhance cross-border dialogues, focusing on joint resource management agreements that prioritise equitable access to shared water bodies. Establishing intergovernmental water councils will facilitate diplomatic coordination on conservation, flood control, and sustainable usage policies.
• Expanding Transboundary Agreements for Resource Protection: Nations must negotiate binding water-sharing treaties, ensuring transparent usage regulations and environmental safeguards for transboundary rivers and lakes. Strengthening cross-border watershed management frameworks will promote long-term stability and cooperation in water governance.
• Promoting Joint Research Collaborations for Innovation: Encouraging partnerships between universities, environmental organisations, and water technology firms will accelerate advancements in conservation and purification methods. Governments should establish international research grants, funding projects focused on sustainable water security solutions.
• Strengthening Professional Certification Programs for Expertise Development: Governments must introduce standardised water management certifications, ensuring professionals receive specialised training in hydrology, sanitation, and resource conservation. Expanding international accreditation programs will promote workforce mobility across global water-related sectors.
• Expanding Research-Based Training Initiatives for Technical Excellence: Educational institutions must develop advanced water management curricula, incorporating data-driven analytics, AI-powered monitoring, and climate-adaptive strategies. Encouraging cross-sector partnerships in skill development will ensure sustainable knowledge-sharing among experts.
• Encouraging Private Sector Engagement in Technical Capacity-Building: Policymakers should incentivise corporate contributions to research and workforce development, offering tax benefits for companies investing in water conservation training programs. Strengthening public-private skill exchange initiatives will promote industrial participation in sustainable practices.
• Strengthening Financial Frameworks to Incentivise Corporate Investment: Governments should establish water sustainability funds, providing financial incentives for businesses adopting low-impact water technologies and recycling initiatives. Expanding public-private financing agreements will encourage private sector involvement in water infrastructure projects.
• Expanding Government Financing for Sanitation Systems: Policymakers must prioritise subsidised sanitation infrastructure programs, funding eco-friendly treatment plants, smart hygiene networks, and water-efficient waste disposal systems. Strengthening municipal investment in public sanitation upgrades will improve long-term accessibility.
• Integrating Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Into National Budgeting: Governments should mainstream water security funding into climate adaptation policies, ensuring investment in drought-resistant systems, flood mitigation networks, and urban water conservation models. Expanding long-term financial commitments to climate-smart infrastructure will enhance resilience against future environmental challenges.

• Investing in International Water Cooperation and Innovation: Governments should scale up financial contributions to multilateral water initiatives—such as the Global Water Partnership and the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development—to strengthen collective action on transboundary basins and water security. These investments should also support innovation funds that drive breakthroughs in low-cost purification, decentralised treatment, and smart metering technologies that can be adapted globally. Public-private consortia can help pool expertise and capital to accelerate global water solutions.
• Facilitating Technology Transfer for Sustainable Water Management: To close the innovation gap between high- and low-resource settings, governments must establish bilateral and regional agreements that streamline the transfer of environmentally sound water technologies. This includes providing tax incentives or export credits for companies sharing technologies such as energy-efficient pumps, non-sewered sanitation systems, and real-time leak detection. Technical capacity-building workshops and open-access platforms should be supported to ensure that technologies are adapted to local contexts and maintained effectively over time.
• Strengthening Knowledge-Sharing Across Global Institutions: An integrated global knowledge ecosystem is essential for scalable impact. Governments should support international data harmonisation efforts by investing in digital platforms and convening global forums that foster peer-to-peer learning, such as between water utilities, research institutions, and grassroots organisations. Multilingual knowledge hubs can house best practices, policy templates, and implementation toolkits to enable rapid diffusion of evidence-based interventions across diverse regions.
• Expanding Global Water Education and Professional Training: Governments should fund global scholarship programs, research exchanges, and water-focused university partnerships that build a new generation of water stewards. Technical assistance programs should include modular training for practitioners on sustainable water design, monitoring technologies, and climate-resilient system operation. Investment in e-learning platforms and certification programs can make this training accessible to practitioners in remote and underserved areas.
• Supporting Global Water Infrastructure Financing Mechanisms: To tackle the global infrastructure gap, governments should co-establish and capitalise international financing facilities that blend grants, concessional loans, and climate bonds for water-related projects. Funding should prioritise green and inclusive infrastructure—like climate-resilient water supply systems, nature-based wastewater treatment, and scalable reuse networks—and must be accessible to developing nations through simplified, transparent application processes. Support for feasibility studies and project preparation can ensure readiness and bankability.
• Aligning Investment Mechanisms with Emerging Environmental Risks: Governments must ensure that water-related investments anticipate and respond to ecological risks such as salinisation, water scarcity, and contamination from emerging pollutants. This includes integrating resilience metrics and climate-risk screening into funding eligibility criteria, mandating environmental impact assessments for funded projects, and promoting nature-positive outcomes through design requirements. Cross-cutting financing strategies should align water infrastructure, biodiversity protection, and climate adaptation to maximise environmental returns.

• Securing International Humanitarian Aid for Emergency Water Access: Emergency response teams should immediately engage with global aid networks, such as UN OCHA, UNICEF, and regional crisis response funds, to secure rapid funding and material support for water access. This includes mobilising mobile water purification units, distributing bottled water, and installing temporary water supply infrastructure (like bladder tanks and pipelines) in affected areas. International coordination mechanisms must ensure equitable aid distribution based on vulnerability assessments and needs mapping.
• Equipping Local Leaders with Crisis-Response Water Management Skills: During emergency phases, targeted training programs must empower local officials, community leaders, and utility managers to lead water crisis operations. This includes modules on emergency logistics, water quality monitoring, resource rationing, and conflict-sensitive service delivery. Training should be deployed via mobile response teams or digital platforms, ensuring rapid knowledge transfer even in unstable environments. Leveraging local leadership fosters trust, speeds coordination, and strengthens community resilience.
• Prioritising Emergency Infrastructure with Long-Term Utility: Emergency funding should support the installation of modular, mobile, or semi-permanent infrastructure that can be upgraded or integrated into long-term systems. Examples include portable treatment units that evolve into permanent facilities, and temporary distribution lines aligned with future network plans. This ensures that short-term responses also support durable recovery and avoid duplication of effort or stranded assets.
• Integrating Technical Capacity Development into Recovery Planning: Long-term water resilience depends on national strategies that invest in technical human capital. Governments and donors should embed training and mentoring programs into recovery plans—covering areas such as system design, maintenance, water resource management, and governance. Scholarships, in-country certification programs, and twinning with international utilities can help rebuild institutional knowledge and create a pipeline of skilled professionals.
• Embedding Stability-Building Measures into Global Water Cooperation Frameworks: Water-related recovery and resilience efforts should be woven into broader international peace-building and development frameworks. This includes supporting transboundary water cooperation, jointly governed infrastructure in fragile regions, and financing mechanisms that reward collaborative, inclusive governance. Water diplomacy initiatives should promote mutual benefit, environmental stewardship, and institutional legitimacy across borders and sectors.
• Aligning Financial Support with Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure Goals: Long-term water system financing must move beyond crisis response toward supporting inclusive, transparent, and sustainable development. Donors and multilateral banks should offer concessional loans, green bonds, and blended finance that incentivise climate resilience, social equity, and institutional reform. Funding frameworks should include performance metrics and participatory oversight, ensuring that investments build both infrastructure and stability.

6.b.1 - Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management.

• Funding for Community-Led Water Projects & Local Engagement: Governments should allocate financial resources to support community-driven water infrastructure projects. This includes funding for localised water storage solutions, small-scale treatment facilities, and participatory conservation initiatives. Ensuring that communities have direct involvement in designing and managing these projects fosters long-term sustainability and increases the effectiveness of water conservation efforts.
• Training Programs for Local Water Management Committees: Establishing training programs for local water management committees is key to strengthening governance at the grassroots level. These programs should focus on technical skills in resource allocation, maintenance of water infrastructure, and sustainable conservation strategies. Governments should collaborate with experts, universities, and NGOs to develop curricula that enhance local capacity in efficient water governance.
• Integration of Traditional Water Conservation Techniques into National Policies: Governments must incorporate indigenous and traditional water conservation methods into national water management strategies. Local knowledge, such as ancient irrigation techniques, water-harvesting practices, and natural filtration systems, can complement modern conservation efforts. Policymakers should engage with local communities and cultural experts to ensure that traditional ecological wisdom is preserved and effectively integrated into formal water governance frameworks.
• Legal Frameworks Mandating Community Consultation in Water Policy Development: Governments should establish legal requirements for community participation in water policy decision-making. Public consultation processes must be institutionalised to ensure that citizens have a voice in shaping local and national water strategies. Establishing transparent forums for discussion—such as town hall meetings, online platforms, and participatory workshops—can improve accountability and align policies with the needs of diverse stakeholders.
• Training Programs on Participatory Water Governance: Encouraging participatory governance requires equipping communities with the necessary skills to engage in decision-making. Training initiatives should focus on legal literacy, policy advocacy, and collaborative problem-solving for water resource management. Governments can work with international organisations to provide technical assistance and mentorship programs that enable communities to play an active role in shaping sustainable water policies.
• School-Based Sanitation Education & Water Literacy Initiatives: Integrating sanitation and water conservation topics into school curricula can instil lifelong sustainable habits among students. Governments should invest in hygiene education within schools, providing children with knowledge on safe water use, proper sanitation practices, and environmental stewardship. Interactive learning approaches, such as water conservation games, field trips to water treatment plants, and student-led initiatives, can increase engagement and practical understanding.
• Promotion of Community Outreach Programs for Hygiene & Water Sustainability: Governments should establish public awareness campaigns and outreach programs to promote hygiene education and water conservation efforts. Partnering with community organisations, health agencies, and social workers can help spread information on responsible water usage, waste management, and pollution prevention. Outreach strategies should include radio broadcasts, social media campaigns, and mobile training units that visit rural areas to ensure inclusivity.
• Integration of Water Conservation Awareness into National Health Campaigns: Water conservation should be integrated into broader national health initiatives to emphasise the link between clean water and public health. Governments can incorporate messages about sanitation and water efficiency into healthcare awareness programs, vaccination drives, and nutrition campaigns. Highlighting the importance of clean water access within health promotion efforts can strengthen public engagement with conservation policies.

• Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks for Decentralised Water Governance: Governments should introduce legal mandates that support localised water management, ensuring community-led committees have decision-making authority over regional water distribution. Establishing policy frameworks that promote accountability and transparency within decentralised governance structures will enhance local oversight and resource allocation.
• Promoting Participatory Decision-Making in Water Policy: Expanding citizen involvement in water management councils will ensure that communities contribute to conservation and distribution strategies. Governments must require public consultations on major water projects, allowing local populations to voice concerns and propose sustainable solutions.
• Expanding Financial Assistance for Grassroots Water Initiatives: Funding community-driven water conservation programs through subsidies, micro-grants, and corporate sponsorships will empower grassroots organisations. Governments should allocate resources for localised infrastructure improvements, ensuring small-scale water systems receive financial backing.
• Strengthening Regulatory Processes for Public Engagement in Water Policy: Policymakers should standardise participatory budgeting mechanisms, allowing citizens to influence how water funds are allocated. Establishing public hearings and digital policy feedback platforms will enhance engagement in regulatory discussions.
• Expanding Access to Policy Dialogue Forums for Water Governance: Developing community-based discussion platforms, including town hall meetings, digital participation hubs, and regional water summits, will encourage inclusive policy-making. Governments must integrate multi-stakeholder partnerships, ensuring businesses, environmental groups, and citizens collaborate on governance decisions.
• Funding Local Governance Initiatives for Water Management: Governments must provide financial support to municipal and community water management organisations, enabling capacity-building programs, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced regulatory oversight at the local level.
• Expanding Digital Education Platforms for Water Awareness: Launching interactive e-learning programs, multilingual digital courses, and mobile-friendly training modules will improve accessibility to water conservation knowledge. Governments should collaborate with tech firms and universities to create user-friendly platforms tailored to local needs.
• Leveraging Media Campaigns to Promote Water-Saving Techniques: Governments and advocacy groups should produce targeted social media outreach, television documentaries, and radio broadcasts focused on water conservation. Strengthening interactive community engagement campaigns through gamification and storytelling will further enhance awareness.
• Strengthening Workplace Hygiene Awareness for Public Engagement: Introducing workplace sanitation training programs, mandating hygiene awareness certification for businesses, and integrating water-saving policies into occupational safety laws will ensure sustainable practices across industries.

• Empowering Citizen-Led and Community-Driven Water Conservation Efforts: Governments should establish flexible grant programs and microfinancing schemes to support grassroots water initiatives—ranging from catchment restoration to grey water recycling and urban rain gardens. These efforts should be coupled with capacity-building programs that provide technical support, toolkits, and mentorship for citizen scientists, youth groups, and local environmental organisations. Policy frameworks must formally recognise the contributions of community actors within water governance structures, providing seats at decision-making tables and avenues for sustained dialogue.
• Investing in Local Monitoring Systems with Tech-Public Integration: Public investments should prioritise the deployment of low-cost, sensor-based water quality and quantity monitoring systems at the community level. These systems can be coupled with mobile apps or dashboard interfaces that allow residents to access real-time data and report local concerns—such as illegal dumping or pipe leaks. Governments should provide training on how to interpret this data, ensuring communities can use it to advocate for service improvements and participate in co-management of local water resources.
• Developing Policy Platforms for Local Engagement and Feedback Loops: Governments must create inclusive policy consultation platforms—such as participatory budgeting tools, online forums, and local water assemblies—that allow communities to shape water priorities and respond to proposed regulations. Digital governance tools should support transparency by publishing water project budgets, performance metrics, and implementation timelines in accessible formats. Feedback loops should be institutionalised through regular community audits, crowdsourced data incorporation, and formal evaluation mechanisms that influence future water plans.
• Advancing Consumer Awareness and Behavioural Change Campaigns: National campaigns should harness social marketing strategies, public storytelling, and behavioural economics to promote water-saving habits among households and businesses. Interventions could include smart meters with behavioural nudges, gamified challenges for schools and neighbourhoods, and national water labelling systems for household appliances. These campaigns should be tailored to local cultural contexts and delivered through trusted messengers, including religious leaders, educators, and social media influencers.
• Supporting Innovation to Reduce Water Waste Through Technology: Governments should offer innovation challenge funds, research and development grants, and incubators for start-ups developing water-saving technologies. Focus areas could include leak-detection AI, smart irrigation systems, low-flow fixtures, and water reuse technologies adapted to different scales and geographies. Public procurement policies should prioritise these innovations, using government purchasing power to accelerate adoption and lower market entry barriers for new technologies.
• Funding Research on Behavioural Insights and Policy Uptake: Dedicated funding should support interdisciplinary research that explores what drives water-use behaviours and how to design interventions that stick. Partnerships with behavioural scientists, urban planners, and anthropologists can surface insights into cultural norms, incentive structures, and communication strategies that improve policy effectiveness. Results should inform pilot projects and be shared widely to support evidence-based scaling across regions.

• Engaging Displaced Populations in Emergency Water Management Planning: Emergency interventions should prioritise the active inclusion of displaced persons, such as refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and host communities, in water access assessments, distribution logistics, and infrastructure planning. This can be achieved through participatory mapping, community water committees, and culturally sensitive dialogue platforms. Engaging displaced populations not only enhances the relevance and sustainability of water interventions but also fosters dignity, ownership, and social cohesion during crises.
• Involving Local Stakeholders in Crisis Water Governance: Emergency policy frameworks should establish temporary water governance mechanisms that elevate the voices of local leaders, civil society actors, and traditional authorities. These bodies should play a role in decision-making, dispute resolution, and service delivery oversight. Their insights are vital to navigating resource constraints, balancing competing demands, and laying the foundation for longer-term institutional stability.
• Integrating Community-Driven Solutions into National Recovery Strategies: Long-term recovery efforts must embed proven community-based approaches such as decentralised water user groups, participatory budgeting, and citizen science, into national policies and infrastructure development plans. Governments should scale these models through financial support, legal recognition, and integration into formal institutional frameworks, ensuring grassroots innovations become permanent fixtures of national water governance.
• Delivering Hygiene Education in Refugee and Displacement Settings: Emergency interventions must deploy hygiene promotion campaigns tailored to the specific linguistic, cultural, and gender-based needs of refugee communities. Tools may include pictorial guides, peer-led workshops, and child-friendly education materials. Topics should cover hand-washing, menstrual hygiene, latrine use, and disease prevention in communal settings. These efforts are essential to minimiing waterborne disease outbreaks and building health resilience in overcrowded conditions.
• Embedding Water Conservation Awareness in Long-Term Recovery Efforts: Post-crisis rebuilding should integrate widespread education campaigns on sustainable water use practices at household and community levels. Recovery strategies can include school-based learning, media outreach, and community training on techniques such as rainwater harvesting, grey-water reuse, and leak detection. By fostering conservation mindsets early in the rebuilding process, these programs help align social behaviour with emerging infrastructure and environmental goals.