MPFD Policy Brief No. 96: Universal access to safe water and sanitation - how much would it cost

The 2030 Agenda encompasses a broad scope of ambition for clean water and sanitation. Sustainable Development Goal 6 – clean water and sanitation, goes beyond the call for universal access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation, and ending open defecation to include increasing water-use efficiency, water quality as well as water resource management to help conserve water-related ecosystems. Access to safe water and sanitation for all is an essential requirement for attaining health targets (SDG 3) and reducing deaths attributed to unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene. Under SDG 9, water and sanitation are basic infrastructures that support well-being and economic development.