UN SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) Glossary

UN SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) Glossary

(Developed as part of the UN SDG Fellowship Program)
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Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

This glossary contains the student content produced by working on an open renewable assignment created by 2021-2022 UN SDG Fellows.  The fellowship assists faculty to create renewable assignments which support social justice and the UN SDG goals as part of an interdisciplinary team. The assignments are designed to help students become agents of change in their communities. Classes that have contributed to this glossary are listed in the Credits.

 

A

Ambient water quality

It shows us how the water quality is in different countries/regions. Water (lakes, rivers, and groundwater) in the environment is monitored in a nation, and specific data on diverse measurement parameters is collected and compared to standard values to assess if water is healthy and safe for humans and the ecosystem, or if it is polluted and can cause some further problems. Therefore, experts can decide how to adjust the water system based on this information.

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6

Reference(s):

UN WATER. (2017). Indicator 6.3.2 – water quality. Indicator | SDG 6 Data. Retrieved October 3, 2021, from https://www.sdg6data.org/indicator/6.3.2.

UN WATER. (1970, August 26). Progress on ambient water quality – piloting the monitoring methodology and initial findings for SDG indicator 6.3.2: UN-Water. Progress on Ambient Water Quality – Piloting the monitoring methodology and initial findings for SDG indicator 6.3.2.  Retrieved October 3, 2021, from https://www.unwater.org/publications/progress–on–ambient–waterquality–632/.

UN WATER. (2020, July 13). Indicator 6.3.2 “proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality”. sdg6monitoring. Retrieved October 3, 2021, from https://www.sdg6monitoring.org/indicator–632/.

Submitted by:

Jingkun Kang

Sludge Management

A process in which solid materials such as sewage, medical or industrial waste are removed from wastewater,1,2 then treated and managed in an economically efficient and environmentally responsible manner, allowing for redistribution as energy resources, soil fertilization and remediation.3

Link to term page source:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJEWM.2021.111909

Reference(s):

  1. Qrenawi L. Fahid R. Sludge management in water treatment plants: literature review. Inderscience Publishers. Linking Academia, Business and Industry through Research. 2021.https://www.inderscience.com/offers.php?id=111909 (accessed September 28, 2025).
  2.  Nazari L., Sarathy S., Santoro D., Ho D., Ray M.B., (Charles) Xu C. Sludge Management– an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics. 2018. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/sludge-management (accessed September 28, 2025).
  3. Sludge Management. Clean Ocean Action. https://cleanoceanaction.org/issues-campaigns/wastewater/wastewater-basics/the-treatment-train/sludge-management(accessed September 28, 2025).

Submitted by:

Tallis Dixon

B

Biological Indicators of Ecosystem Health

The change over time of the health of the plants, animals, and microorganisms that live in an ecosystem, to represent how resilient the ecosystem is against changes caused by outside factors.

Link to term page source:

https://www.sdg6monitoring.org/indicator-661/

Reference(s):

United Nations, Indicator 6.6.1 “Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time,” https://www.sdg6monitoring.org/indicator-661/, accessed 2 October 2021.

 

Queensland Government (updated 4 August 2021), Ecosystem health indicators, https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/management/water/health-indicators, accessed 2 October 2021.

SeaDoc Society, “What is ecosystem health?,” https://www.seadocsociety.org/what-is-ecosystem-health, accessed 25 October 2021.

C

Chemical Contaminant

An organic or inorganic compound or element that is present within an environment, product, or system at a concentration that is greater than naturally occurring or normal. Chemical contaminants must be assessed for risk management and safe maximum limit determination.

Link to term page source:

https://www.epa.gov/ccl/types-drinking-water-contaminants

Reference(s):

United States Environmental Protection Agency. Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) and Regulatory Determination. Types of Drinking Water Contaminants.  July 29, 2025. https://www.epa.gov/ccl/types-drinking-water-contaminants (accessed September 29, 2025).

Submitted by:

Lauren Corbet

Cooperation

In order for solutions to the world’s water problems to work, transnational cooperation is key. All countries must unite to contribute financially and technologically to ensure that people in all countries, rich and poor, have access to sanitary water.

Link to term page source:

Reference(s):

Indicator | SDG 6 Data. (2019). United Nations Water. https://www.sdg6data.org/indicator/6.a.1

 

D

Desalination

Desalination is the process of removing dissolved minerals from saline water. This process is commonly used to make seawater drinkable in regions where other water sources are scarce.

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6

Reference(s):

Lin, S., Zhao, H., Zhu, L., et al., (2021). Seawater desalination technology and engineering in China: A review. Desalination, 498, 1-12. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0011916420314065 Accessed on Oct. 25th, 2021.

Submitted by:

Max Walton-Raaby

Detrimental Pathogen

A detrimental pathogen is an organism or virus found in untreated water that causes disease, damage, and possibly death to its host.  Common methods for removal of these pathogens include chemical treatment, filtration, and flocculation.

Link to term page source:

https://www.sdg6data.org/

Reference(s):

Balloux, F.; van Dorp, L. (2017), Q&A: What are pathogens, and what have they done to and for us? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5648414/ (accessed September 28, 2021).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015), Water Treatment. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/public/water_treatment.html (accessed October 2, 2021).

Submitted by:

Tyler Floen

Drip Irrigation Efficiency

The determination of how effective a watering system is that delivers water directly to the roots of plants. This assessment is measured as a percentage that considers the overall system design including: water used, the amount actually absorbed by the plant, and losses through evaporation, runoff, and infrastructure deficiencies.

Link to term page source:

Reference(s):

Submitted by:

Emily Tinney

E

Ecosystems

There are different types of ecosystems in which all organisms and physical environments interact with one another. The two types of aquatic ecosystems are freshwater and marine ecosystems. Examples of freshwater ecosystems include rivers, lakes, forests, wetlands, while marine ecosystems are made up of oceans. These water ecosystems are home to many different animals and plants, all of which play a vital role in maintaining our world’s water cycle.

Link to term page source:

https://www.sdg6data.org/

Reference(s):

UN-Water. “Ecosystems: UN-Water.” UN, https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/ecosystems/.

Submitted by:

Paola Pulido

F

Fluoridation

The process of adding small amounts of fluoride (F–) to the community water for the benefits to tooth health. In Canada, 0.7 mg/L is added as it has been found to help prevent tooth decay and cavities without increasing a person’s risk for skeletal fluorosis (excessive amounts of fluoride leading to the overhardening of bones and joints increasing fracture risk).

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6

Reference(s):

Submitted by:

Mason Swanton

G

Greywater Reuse

The recycling of lightly used wastewater that is not contaminated with bodily fluids or kitchen grease and scraps. Water that comes from showers, bathroom sinks and washing machines is often recycled by diverging the water into a separate system from the sewage and is then redirected towards toilets and is finally discharged into the local sewage system. The redirection of wastewater helps save freshwater and minimize the amount of water entering water treatment plants.

Link to term page source:

Reference(s):

Government of B.C. Health Information: Greywater Reuse. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/waste-management/sewage/onsite-sewerage-systems/what_is_grey_water.pdf (accessed Sept 24, 2025).

 

 

Submitted by:

Cambria McGregor

H

Hand-washing Facilities

Handwashing Facilities are spaces that provide potable water, which is disinfected and safe for all uses, soap, a towel or hand-dryer, and instructions on how to properly use one. They are used to improve overall health and prevent the spread of diseases by disinfecting harmful pathogens that would otherwise enter the body through touching of the face, and eating food, with dirty hands.

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6

Reference(s):

Handwashing/Hand hygiene. UN Water; [accessed 2021 Sep 25]. Available from: https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/handhygiene/

Submitted by:

Mathew Falsetta

Hazardous Chemical

A hazardous chemical is a substance that has the capacity to cause negative effects when exposed to humans, animals, or the environment. Although produced in both natural and artificial settings, these substances are most commonly man-made through industrial, agricultural, and medicinal applications. Improper and careless handling can result in the release of hazardous chemicals into the ecosystem through air, soil, and water sources. As such, water bodies worldwide are monitored to ensure the quality of water is within specific parameters since the release of hazardous chemicals can impact water quality and therefore damage the functionality of ecosystems.

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6

Reference(s):

European Environment Agency (2018). Consumption of hazardous chemicals. https://www.eea.europa.eu/airs/2018/environment-and-health/production-of-hazardous-chemicals Accessed October 31, 2021.

Submitted by:

Emily Dagasso

Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage (HWTS)

Household water treatment and safe storage (HWTS) is a program started by the World Health Organization (WHO) aiming to improve drinking water quality for everyone by reducing the spread of diarrhea-causing diseases. This initiative focuses on prioritizing support for people who depend on water supplies that are open to contamination, lacking protective infrastructure or unsafe piped water systems, often including people in emergency response situations.

Link to term page source:

https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/water-sanitation-and-health/water-safety-and-quality/household-water-treatment-and-safe-storage

Reference(s):

  1. WHO. Water Sanitation and Health, Household water treatment and safe storage
    (HWTS). https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/water-sanitation-and-health/water-safety-and-quality/household-water-treatment-and-safe-storage (accessed
    September 25, 2025).
  2. UNICEF. Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage (HWTS) in Emergency Settings.
    https://www.unicef.org/innovation/household-water-treatment-and-safe-storage-hwts-emergencysettings (accessed September 25, 2025).

Submitted by:

Kouadio David

HYGIENE

Hygiene brings a higher level of importance than any other topic because this determines our lives no matter what way we look at it. This has a huge impact here in our community in the way we can function and get things done otherwise we would be in the same situation as other developing countries that are having a huge amount of problems with getting clean and healthy water to their people and animals. Massive diseases and other very critical components start to change when there isn’t any clean and drinkable water. All starting from health-related issues, to generational lapses in health, growth, and an ability to live a long healthy prosperous life. 

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/topics/water-and-sanitation.

Reference(s):

“CDC at Work: Global Wash .” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12 June 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/programs/index.html.

 

JMP. “Hygiene.” Hygiene | JMP, https://washdata.org/monitoring/hygiene.

 

Artiola, Janick F, et al. “City of Tucson Zoning Overlay Map / HTTPS Webcms Pima Gov User files Servers Server 6 File Government Development 20services Land 20planning 20and 20regulation Boards 20commission 20 20committees 20tab DRC p20va00009 20applicant 20submittal Pdf / the Panels Pop up That Let Me Choose Brush/Zone, but There’s Nothing on the Map Indicating What Zones Are Set.” City Of Tucson Zoning Overlay Map / Https Webcms Pima Gov Userfiles Servers Server 6 File Government Development 20services Land 20planning 20and 20regulation Boards 20commission 20 20committees 20tab Drc P20va00009 20applicant 20submittal Pdf / The Panels Pop up That Let Me Choose Brush/Zone, but There’s Nothing on the Map Indicating What Zones Are Set., Arizona Well Owner Guide to Water Supply 17 Apr. 2021, https://rahayudelianti.blogspot.com/2021/04/city-of-tucson-zoning-overlay-map-https.html.   

Submitted by:

adeel.k

I

Improved Drinking Water Sources

These are water bodies or surface and underground water that are protected from contamination and pollution that are used to produce safe water for drinking. This includes pipes in residential areas and yards and other public water taps or public pipes or protected wells, protected springs and rainwater collection.

Link to term page source:

https://www.sdg6data.org/indicator/6.1.1

Reference(s):

Drinking water. (n.d.).Water https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/monitoring/water.pdf, Date Accessed: October 4, 2021.

Submitted by:

Yuhui Xi

Industrial Wastewater

Wastewater is water that has been used. It can contain pollutants, pathogens or other dangers depending on where the water comes from. Industrial wastewater is used water that originates from manufacturing sources such as mines or food plants. It is important to know what type of industry the wastewater comes from so it can be treated accordingly, for its release into the environment or for other uses.

Link to term page source:

https://www.sdg6data.org/indicator/6.3.1

Reference(s):

Government of Ontario (2014), Rules for Treating Industrial Wastewater, https://www.ontario.ca/page/rules-treating-industrial-wastewater, Date Accessed: September 29, 2021.

Submitted by:

A.H.N.

J

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K

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L

Latrines

Areas or buildings designed for human excrement disposal that can function with or without water as it is a low-cost structure. They are designed with three major parts in mind: a hole in the ground, a concrete slab with a small hole for the user’s comfort and hygiene, and a shelter for privacy and elemental protection. Latrines reduce the interaction and contact between humans and feces or urine – which have the potential to spread disease and illness – through safe containment or pit-emptying techniques.

Link to term page source:

https://www.sdg6data.org/en/indicator/6.2.1a

Reference(s):

Reymond, P. Pit Latrine Ventilation: Design Concepts; Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC: Switzerland, 2024; pp. 1–9. https://www.unhcr.org/sites/default/files/2024-06/2024%20-%20UNHCR-GTH%20-%20Pit%20latrine%20ventilation%20-%20Design%20concepts.pdf (accessed 2025-09-24).

World Health Organization. Sanitation; WHO: Geneva, Switzerland, 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sanitation (accessed 2025-09-17).

UNICEF Canada. Emergency Latrines: Promoting Health and Restoring Dignity; UNICEF Canada Blog, November 18, 2021. https://www.unicef.ca/fr/blog/latrines-durgence-promouvoir-la-sante-et-restaurer-la-dignite (accessed September 22, 2025).

Submitted by:

Maddie Hubbard

M

Microbial Contaminants

Unnatural and unhealthy concentrations of microscopic organisms like bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasites that can cause illness if not removed from drinking water. The concentration of microbial contaminants must be kept under tolerable limits for human consumption; if not, water can be treated in various ways to remove the microscopic organisms. Common sources of contamination can be from wastewater and agricultural runoff.

Link to term page source:

https://unsdg6.opened.ca/

Reference(s):

United States Environmental Protection Agency. Types of Drinking Water Contaminants, 2025. https://www.epa.gov/ccl/types-drinking-water-contaminants (accessed September 18, 2025).

Health Canada. Overview of the microbiological aspects of drinking water quality. Government of Canada: Ottowa, ON, 2021. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/water-quality/guidance-document-overview-microbiological-aspects-drinking-water-quality.html (accessed September 21, 2025). 

Kristanti, R. A.; Hadibrarata, T.; Syafrudin, M.; Yilmaz, M.; Abdullah, S. Microbiological Contaminants in Drinking Water: Current Status and Challenges. Springer Nature Link, 2022. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11270-022-05698-3#citeas (accessed September 21, 2025). 

Submitted by:

Emma Trotta

Multi-Barrier Approach

A strategy designed to ensure the safety of drinking water by using several layers of protection to reduce the risk of contaminants reaching people’s taps. Instead of relying on a single treatment method, this system combines multiple steps such as protecting the water source, applying reliable treatment processes, maintaining safe distribution systems, and conducting ongoing monitoring. The idea is that if one barrier fails, the others will continue to protect public health, which helps guarantee safe and clean water for communities.

Link to term page source:

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/water-quality/drinking-water/multi-barrier-approach-safe-drinking-water-environmental-workplace-health-health-canada.html

Reference(s):

World Health Organization. HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS for HEALTHIER POPULATIONS: WHY DO THEY MATTER, and WHAT CAN WE DO? https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/environment-climate-change-and-health/health-environment-2019-easyprint.pdf?sfvrsn=fede2ef8_2 (accessed September 25, 2025).

N

Natural Wetland

Ecosystems that have submerged soil year-round that encourages the growth of aquatic plants and animals. Some examples of these include swamps and marshes.

Link to term page source:

Reference(s):

“Natural Wetlands.” Natural Wetlands | Climate Technology Centre & Network | Tue, 11/08/2016, www.ctc-n.org/technologies/natural-wetlands.

Submitted by:

Rya Oliver

Nutrients

Nutrients are a class of ionic and molecular compounds required for the maintenance of good health in any living organism. Nutrients are not naturally synthesized by organisms and therefore must be consumed to ensure proper physiological function. Despite their integral role in cell growth and development, nutrients like ammonia, ammonium, nitrate, phosphate, and other nitrogen and phosphate chemical species can be detrimental to both human health and the environment.

Link to term page source:

https://www.sdg6data.org/indicator/6.3.1

Reference(s):

LibreTexts Medicine. What are Nutrients? Last edited August 13, 2020. Retrieved from https://med.libretexts.org/Courses/Sacramento_City_College/SCC%3A_Nutri_300_(Coppola)/Text/01%3A_Nutrition_and_You/1.2%3A_What_Are_Nutrients%3F (accessed 2021/09/20).

Progress on Safe Treatment and Use of Wastewater: Piloting the monitoring methodology and initial findings for SDG indicator 6.3.1. Geneva: World Health Organization and UN-HABITAT, 2018. Retrieved from https://www.unwater.org/publications/progress-on-wastewater-treatment-631/ (accessed 2021/09/21).

Submitted by:

James Neurauter

O

Open Defecation

Open defecation is the practice of defecating without the usage of any toilet facility in any outdoor open space, such as in a bush or a field. It is generally practiced because of inadequate sanitation facilities. Open defecation also leaves faeces exposed, which results in other people being commonly exposed to faecal pathogens. Open defecation also contributes to the spread of multiple different diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery due to this exposure to faecal pathogens. Significant environmental contamination is also caused by open defecation.

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6

Reference(s):

Ending Open Defecation, https://www.unicef.org/wca/ending-open-defecation, accessed October 1, 2021.

Global Health Observatory Indicator Metadata Registry List: Population practicing open defecation (%), https://www.who.int/data/gho/indicator-metadata-registry/imr-details/4823, accessed October 1, 2021.

Submitted by:

Seth Keenan

P

Participation

Participation is a collective part of every active member of a nation, community, individual, groups, households actively participating in keeping our water clean and utilization by consciously taking necessary steps to ensure to do there part to conserve and at the same time warranting optimal hygiene practice.

Link to term page source:

https://unsdg6.opened.ca/

Reference(s):

WILLIAMS, BRYAN L., et al. “Inter- and Intra-Ethnic Variation in Water Intake, Contact, and Source Estimates among Tucson Residents: Implications for Exposure Analysis.” Journal of Exposure Analysis & Environmental Epidemiology, vol. 11, no. 6, Dec. 2001, p. 510. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1038/sj.jea.7500192

Garcia, Lydia B., et al. “A Comparison of Water-Related Perceptions and Practices Among West Texas and South New Mexico Colonia Residents Using Hauled-Stored and Private Well Water.” Journal of Environmental Health, vol. 79, no. 2, Sept. 2016, pp. 14–20. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=117639969&authtype=shib&site=eds-live&scope=site.

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Participation definition & meaning. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/participation. 

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). 39 synonyms and antonyms of participation. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/participation. 

Submitted by:

Erica Jo Buelna

Pollution

This occurs when substances that cause harm enter the environment. The harm can be to a living thing or to the environment itself. Avoiding harmful substances entering water is an effective way to improve water quality.

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6

Reference(s):

Goal 6 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6

May 14, 2. M. (2021, April 15). Water Pollution: Everything You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know#whatis

Water pollution. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/water-pollution

Submitted by:

Yuan Feng

Population Growth

Population Growth refers to the number of people in an area that either grows or declines within a certain amount of time because of natural occurrences. This could be because of environmental factors or personal reasons, such as people moving due to new career opportunities.

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/publications/population-consumption-and-environment-2015-17884

Reference(s):

Population Division, UN DESA. “Population, Consumption and the Environment 2015 |
Department of Economic and Social Affairs.” United Nations, United Nations, April 2015,
https://sdgs.un.org/publications/population-consumption-and-environment-2015-17884.

Submitted by:

Jenny Nguyen

Q

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R

Rainwater Harvesting

When water that falls from the sky is collected in tanks or wells instead of letting it go to waste. The stored water can be used in many ways, such as watering gardens, supporting farms and small plantations, or even washing cars. This practice is used on the island of Curaçao; water is saved over the wet season to use later during any periods without rainfall.

Link to term page source:

Reference(s):

https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/7762/- Rainwater%20Harvesting%20_%20a%20Lifeline%20for%20Human%20well-being2009848.pdf?sequence=3&amp%3BisAllowed=

Submitted by:

L.R.

Recycling wastewater

To reuse the water that has been used in home, industry, or agriculture safely after micro-organisms, contaminants and other pollutants are removed. The purpose of water being reused is extending water supplies such as reusing water in agriculture.

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6

Reference(s):

Cristina Tuser (2020, January 09), What is wastewater, https://www.wwdmag.com/wastewater-treatment/what-wastewater. Access date: October 22, 2021.

Sophie(2019, April 22), Wastewater treatment process step by step, https://gustawater.com/blog/wastewater-treatment-process.html. Access date: October 25, 2021.

Submitted by:

Zhehan Jia

S

Sanitation

Sanitation is one of the most important aspects of community welfare for human. It provides facilities and services which refer to public health conditions related to sewage and disposal of human excrement. In order to safely manage the human excreta from the toilet to containment, storage and in-site processing or transportation, treatment and ultimate safe use or disposal is needed. The goal of sanitation is to safely reduce and prevent human exposure with pathogens and the spread of diseases by providing a clean environment to protect human health and the environment.

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6

Reference(s):

Global Water Pathogens Project (2017), Introduction to the Importance of Sanitation. Retrieved from https://www.waterpathogens.org/book/introduction (accessed October 03, 2021)

Public Health Nigeria (2020), Types of Sanitation. Retrieved from https://www.publichealth.com.ng/the-7-types-of-sanitation/ (accessed October 03, 2021)

United Nations (2021), Goal 6: Ensure Availability and Sustainable Management of Water and Sanitation for all. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6 (accessed October 22, 2021)

World Health Organization (2019), Sanitation. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sanitation (accessed October 03, 2021)

Submitted by:

Yuyang Li

Sanitation

Sanitation is a process that purifies and cleans wastewater by eliminating pollutants and impurities. It is the removal of sewage, liquid, and semi-liquid waste from sewage and treatment sites through a group of biological, physical, and chemical processes to form clean drinkable, and usable water for consumers.  

Link to term page source:

https://www.sdg6data.org/indicator/6.2.1a

Reference(s):

Ceridwen Johnson. (15 October 2021) “Investing $1 per person per year in hand hygiene could
save hundreds of thousands of lives.” World health organization.
https://www.who.int/news/item/15-10-2021-investing-1dollar-per-person-per-year-in-hand-hygie

“Sanitation”.World health organization.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sanitation

Submitted by:

Zena G

Sewage sludge

A semi-solid product from various types of wastewater especially from households or factories, which usually flows out through sewers. It is a product of natural or artificial wastewater treatment processes.

Link to term page source:

https://www.sdg6monitoring.org/indicator-631/

Reference(s):

Corrosionpedia. “What Is a Sludge? – Definition from Corrosionpedia.” Corrosionpedia, Corrosionpedia, 12 Sept. 2019, www.corrosionpedia.com/definition/1627/sludge.

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Sewage.” Province of British Columbia, Province of British Columbia, 31 Mar. 2021, www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/sewage.

Soap

A substance typically composed of a basic chemical mixed with an oil that is used with water for sanitation and hygiene purposes to remove germs when washing and housekeeping.

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6

Reference(s):

Merriam-Webster (2021), Soap, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soap, Accessed Oct 19th, 2021

United Nations (2020), Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6, Accessed Sept 29th, 2021

United Nations (2020), Indicator 6.2.1b – Hygiene, https://www.sdg6data.org/indicator/6.2.1b, Accessed Sept 29th, 2021

Submitted by:

Keanna Pilkington

Stormwater Management Practices

Methods used to control rainwater and snow melt flowing over municipal surfaces, aiming to reduce flooding, minimize erosion, improve water quality, and protect natural water bodies. This could include creating absorbent landscapes, permeable paving, green roofs, infiltration swales, or infiltration trenches. These methods slow, store, filter or redirect incoming water resulting in a safer and more eco friendly community.

Link to term page source:

Reference(s):

[1] Province of British Columbia. Local government stormwater infrastructure; BC government: Victoria, BC 2024. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/infrastructure/water-systems/stormwater-infrastructure. (Accessed September 9th 2025)

[2] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Stormwater Management Practices at EPA Facilities. https://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/stormwater-management-practices-epa-facilities. (accessed September 9th 2025)

Submitted by:

Jayden Moore

Sustainable development

Sustainable development can be defined as growth or development that meets the needs of the present time. These needs are met without damaging or compromising the ability of generations to come.

Link to term page source:

https://www.sdg6data.org/

Reference(s):

Wikipedia contributors. “Sustainable Development.” Wikipedia, 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_development#:%7E:text=Sustainable%20development%20can%20be%20defined,to%20meet%20their%20own%20needs.

“WSSD .:. Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform.” UN Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform, 2021, sustainabledevelopment.un.org/milesstones/wssd.

Submitted by:

Karissa Ramirez

Sustainable management

Using a resource in a certain way and rate that satisfies the needs of society while preserving the environment. This should be done without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Link to term page source:

https://www.sdg6data.org/

Reference(s):

Sustainable Water Management (SWM) profile. Water Foundation. (2020, March 19). Retrieved October 12, 2021, from https://waterfdn.org/sustainable-water-management-swm-profile/.

Submitted by:

Sabrina Nañez

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PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

Human-made chemicals that take forever to break down. They are extremely dangerous because of the way they can build up undetected in our drinking water supply unless we are actively searching for them. They were created to make products non-stick and water-resistant but the same properties that made them so effective for those those purposes also make them nearly impossible to break down in the environment and have severe impacts, including cancer and asthma, on human health.

Link to term page source:

https://www.sdg6data.org/

Reference(s):

Cordner, Alissa, et al. “Guideline Levels for PFOA and PFOS in Drinking Water: The Role of Scientific Uncertainty, Risk Assessment Decisions, and Social Factors.” Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, vol. 29, no. 2, Mar. 2019, p. 157. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1038/s41370-018-0099-9.

Davis, Tony, and Tucson Environmental Services. “Soaring Contamination Causes Shutdown of Tucson Water Treatment Plant.” Arizona Daily Star, 6 Nov. 2021, tucson.com/news/local/soaring-contamination-causes-shutdown-of-tucson-water-t reatment-plant/article_cbdc8044-c7f1-11eb-a3b5-e7261bcdd359.html#:~:text=Cit ywide%2C%20Tucson%20Water%20has%20closed,base%20adjoining%20Tucso n%20International%20Airport.

News, ABC. “’Ticking Time Bomb’: Pfas Chemicals in Drinking Water Alarm Scientists over Health Risks – Connect FM: Local News Radio: Dubois, PA.” Connect FM | Local News Radio | Dubois, PA, 10 Aug. 2021,
www.connectradio.fm/2021/08/10/ticking-time-bomb-pfas-chemicals-in-drinking water-alarm-scientists-over-health-risks/.

“Pfas Chemical Exposure.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Nov. 2021,
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/exposure.html.

“Reducing PFAS in Drinking Water with Treatment Technologies.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 23 Aug. 2018,
6 www.epa.gov/sciencematters/reducing-pfas-drinking-water-treatment-technologie s.

Submitted by:

Melissa Simmons

Transboundary Water Cooperation

Transboundary Water Cooperation: A set of countries arrange an agreement to not only provide but also to help each other in not wasting water. To do this, they give data and take care of the water, since water is a global resource that everyone needs.

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/sites/default/files/publications/800ECE_Second_Assessment_En.pdf

Reference(s):

#23 fin → end. Membean. (n.d.). Retrieved October 18, 2021, from https://membean.com/wrotds/fin-end.

#51 trans → across. Membean. (n.d.). Retrieved October 18, 2021, from https://membean.com/wrotds/trans-across.

Anne Marie Helmenstine, P. D. (2020, February 6). What is water, according to Chemistry’s definition? ThoughtCo. Retrieved October 18, 2021, from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-water-in-chemistry-605946.

Indicator 6.5.2 – transboundary water cooperation. Indicator | SDG 6 Data. (n.d.). Retrieved October 18, 2021, from https://www.sdg6data.org/indicator/6.5.2.

Submitted by:

Amir Alokbi Delgado

Transboundary waters

Lakes, rivers, or places that have water for people to use that are shared by two or more countries.

Link to term page source:

https://www.sdg6data.org

Reference(s):

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Wastewater

Water which is contaminated with substances such as human waste, oils, and chemicals due to it being used for various functions including cooking, cleaning, and flushing, or by storm runoff from industrial surfaces like roads and roofs.

Link to term page source:

https://www.sdg6data.org/indicator/6.3.1

Reference(s):

U.S. Geological Survey. Wastewater Treatment Water Use. n.d. 23 November 2021. <https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/wastewater-treatment-water-use>.

 

 

Wastewater Treatment

Taking used and contaminated water through a process to eliminate contaminants, so the effluent is suitable to return to the environment.

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6

Reference(s):

Government of Canada (2020), Municipal wastewater treatment, https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-indicators/municipal-wastewater-treatment.html (accessed Oct. 24, 2021)

Water Catchment Protection

Water Catchment Protection: Protecting the health of the land that water flows through into a certain area of water such as a lake or river by preventing pollution that would affect the clean water.

Link to term page source:

https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/00_96484_01

Reference(s):

1. Drinking Water Officers’ Guide 2022 -Part B: Section 14 Page 1 Guidance for Treatment
of Rainwater Harvested for Potable Use Guidance for Treatment of Rainwater Harvested
for Potable Use Ministry of Health; 2020.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/water/waterquality/howdrinking-water-is-protected-in-bc/dwog_part_b_-
_14_rainwater_harvested_for_potable_use.pdf.

2. United Nations. Water and sanitation | Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
sdgs.un.org. https://sdgs.un.org/topics/water-and-sanitation.

Water Governance Frameworks

A set of principles that direct how water resources are managed and how decisions about water are made. These guidelines unite government institutions, legal regulations, and interest holders so that water resources are used in ways that are sustainable, fair, and effective.

Link to term page source:

https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/water-governance/the-oecdprinciples-on-water-governance-and-implementation-strategy.html

Reference(s):

OCED. The OECD Principles on Water Governance and implementation strategy. https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/water-governance/the-oecd-principles-on-water-governance-and-implementation-strategy.html (accessed September 24, 2025).

WAREG-European Water Regulators. 4 – What is water governance? August 2, 2023. https://www.wareg.org/articles/4-what-is-water-governance/ (accessed September 24, 2025).

Submitted by:

Jacob Hatch

Water Justice Advocacy

Water Justice Advocacy is the effort made to make sure everyone has fair access to safe, clean, and affordable water regardless of their income, gender, race, cultural background, geographical location, or climate and environmental factors. Water, a common resource that is vital to health and communal well-being, is strived to be safeguarded as a fundamental human right challenging social, economic and political inequalities that cause some to only have access to lower quality, less accessible and more expensive water. At its core, it is the combination of environmental protection with human rights, with the aim for fairness in how water is shared, governed, and preserved for present and future generations.

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/water-justice-towards-sustainable-development

Reference(s):

Harris, L.M., McKenzie, S, Rodina, L. Shah, S.H., & N. Wilson. Water justice: key concepts, debates and research agendas. In: R. Holifield, J. Chakraborty, and G. Walker (Eds.) The Routledge Handbook of Environmental Justice. Routledge: Taylor & Francis Group: London and New York, 2016. https://open.library.ubc.ca/media/stream/pdf/52383/1.0347545/5 (accessed September 29, 2025).

Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC). Water Is a Source of Life. Environment Unit at NWAC: Quebec, Canada. https://nwac.ca/policy/water-is-a-source-of-life#:~:text=The%20protection%20of%20water%20i s,for%20more%20than%20two%20decades (accessed September 29, 2025).

Submitted by:

Daniela Gonzalez

Water Quality

Water quality refers to the state of a body of water, including its chemical and physical state. This is usually measured in terms of suitability for a certain purpose, such as drinking or swimming.

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/statements/united-states-america-9782

Reference(s):

“Water Quality Information by Topic | U.S. Geological Survey.” Water Quality Information by Topic, 1 Jan. 2009, www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/water-quality-information-topic?qt-science_center_objects=0.

 

Submitted by:

Mercedes Obono

Water Quality Parameters

Various physical and chemical characteristics that are measured to give information related to different bodies of water.

Link to term page source:

https://www.sdg6data.org/indicator/6.3.2

Reference(s):

Government of B.C. (2021), Water Quality Parameters, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-quality/waterquality-monitoring/canada-bc-water-quality-monitoring-program/water-quality-parameters, Accessed October 22nd, 2021

 

 

Submitted by:

Nathan T. Rancier

Water Related Insect Vectors

Insect vectors are insects, mainly mosquitoes, that spread harmful viruses, parasites and germs (pathogens) from one person to another, or from animals to humans.1 Serious diseases like malaria and dengue are examples of vector-borne diseases.1,2 Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and when they bite people they transmit these diseases.1,2 Improving water sanitation and water storage reduces mosquito breeding, which protects communities affected by these diseases.1

Link to term page source:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vector-borne-diseases

Reference(s):

References

1. World Health Organization. Vector-borne diseases, Newsroom Fact Sheets; WHO Press:
Geneva, Switzerland, 26 September 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vector-borne-diseases (Accessed 29 September 2025).

2. Mayo Clinic Staff. Dengue fever, Diseases & Conditions; Mayo Clinic: USA, 17 July
2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dengue-fever/symptoms-causes/syc20353078# (Accessed 29 September 2025).

Submitted by:

Louis Dauffy

Water Rights and Entitlements

The rules that guarantee every human being access to the minimum amount of safe, clean water, necessary to live a healthy life, free from potential risk of harm as outlined by the United Nations. These policies include protections from the illegal pollution and/or separation of individuals from sources of water, especially traditional water bodies used by local communities. They forbid discrimination or limitation of sanitation or clean water based on an individual’s place of residence or criminal status and ensure every individual has a say in decisions surrounding water and sanitation at both a local and national level.  

Link to term page source:

https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/human-rights-water-and-sanitation

Reference(s):

United Nations. The Right to Water, Fact Sheet No. 35.; Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights: Geneva, Switzerland. https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Publications/FactSheet35en.pdf (accessed September 28, 2025)

Submitted by:

K. Bos

Water Stress

Water stress occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period or when poor quality restricts its use.

Link to term page source:

https://sdgs.un.org/topics/water-and-sanitation

Reference(s):

Harvey, C. (2019, April 29). These countries will be hit hardest by water stress in the future. The
Washington Post. Retrieved October 25, 2021, from
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/08/26/these-countries-will-
be-hit-hardest-by-water-stress-in-the-future/

Submitted by:

Leena Abdulhadi

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