#Envision2030 Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

argetsBy 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for allBy 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situationsBy 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globallyBy 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcityBy 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriateBy 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakesBy 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologiesSupport and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management5 ways to improve water quality and access to water:-According to the United Nations, there are still 663 million people around the world that don’t have access to clean drinking water.* When people, especially children, have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, they lead healthier and more successful lives.Rotary members integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene into education projects. When children learn about disease transmission and practice good hygiene, they miss less school. And they can take those lessons home to their families.During March, Rotary Water and Sanitation Month, take action to provide clean water and sanitation in your communities:Improve sanitation facilities by providing toilets and latrines that flush into a sewer or safe enclosure.Promote good hygiene habits through education. Proper hand washing with soap and water can reduce diarrhea cases by up to 35 percent.Implement rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater for drinking or recharging underground aquifers. Build wells to extract groundwater from underground aquifers.Provide home water-treatment capability through the use of filters, solar disinfection, or flocculants, to make drinking water safe.Promote low-cost solutions, such as chlorine tablets or plastic bottles that can be exposed to sunlight, to improve water quality.Looking for projects to support? Here are a few of the Rotary clubs looking for support on Rotary Ideas:The Rotary Club of Villa Real de Tegucigalpa in Honduras has been supporting a local primary school in a nearby village. The school has not received any financial aid from the local government in years and lacks electricity, a water system, the bathroom has no sewage system, and has unsanitary latrines.The club has been supporting the school by remodeling classrooms, doors, the roof, painting the building as well as donating desks and books in partnership with their Rotaract club. The club is committed to investing in the community and wants to expand their project to improve water and sanitation at the school. Support this project.The Sorsogon Province of the Philippines is prone to natural disasters, leaving most local schools with destroyed facilities. Urinary tract infections and waterborne diseases are common in elementary students because of limited clean toilet facilities and handwashing stations.The Rotary Club of Metro Sorsogon aims to bring facilities to 1500 students attending various schools in the region. After completing the project, the Rotary Club of Metro Sorsogon will continue to monitor the schools’ needs while facility maintenance will be handled by the school administration. Support this project.The Phoenix Secondary School in Durban, South Africa, has 927 students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. The students don’t have access to basic water and sanitation facilities including toilets, safe drinking water, clean surroundings and basic information on hygiene.Schools can be a key factor in initiating change by helping develop healthy hygiene habits. Good hygiene behavior learned at an early age can lead to lifelong positive habits. School children can also influence the behavior of family members, both adults and siblings, and positively influence the community as a whole.The Rotary Club of Durban-Clairwood Park is looking for a global grant partner to bring facilities and training to the school. Club members will host workshops to teach students, teachers and parents about hygiene, sanitation and conservation of natural resources. The club also aims to teach girls about menstrual hygiene management. Support this project.