Frequent and proper handwashing is the most basic frontline defense against the spread of COVID-19. Yet a quarter of the world’s population lacks access to a reliable water supply—a far cry from the aspirations of Sustainable Development Goal 6—Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. The pandemic has heightened awareness of both the extent and consequences of this access gap, and it could slow down progress in meeting the SDG 6 development goal as revenue losses by water utilities affect their ability to make critical capital investments.
Closing the water sector infrastructure gap will require an additional $114 billion investment in developing countries each year up to 2030, in addition to the cost of maintaining and upgrading existing networks in developed markets.
This report highlights the water sector background, the impact of COVID-19 and explores responses to the crisis to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 6 which ensures availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030