Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 is one of the 18 SDGs established by the United Nations that aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. SDG 6 not only addresses the issues relating to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), but also the quality and sustainability of water resources worldwide. Improvements in drinking water, sanitation and hygiene are essential for progress in other areas of development too, such as nutrition, education, health and gender equality [1].
SDG 6 is important as access to clean water is essential for daily life and public health. The scarcity of clean water has historically been linked to numerous human tragedies, including the spread of diseases, outbreaks of plagues, and even the eruption of conflicts and wars. This crisis continues to escalate as more people are unable to access safe drinking water each day. According to a 2023 report by the United Nations, approximately 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services [2]. However, more recent studies suggest that this number may be significantly higher, with estimates indicating that nearly 4.4 billion people — over half the global population — are without access to safe drinking water [3].
The Demand of Clean Water
Clean water plays a vital role in various aspects of human life. Its most obvious use is for drinking and domestic purposes, as each household consumes a considerable amount of water daily. Beyond domestic use, clean water is essential for agriculture, where it serves as a critical input for both irrigation and livestock. In fact, approximately 70% of the world’s freshwater supply is used for agricultural activities [4]. Furthermore, clean water is crucial in many areas of modern technology, especially for cooling and cleaning sensitive components in industries such as data centers, manufacturing, and energy production [5].
Given these demands, a question arises: Do we have enough water to sustain this growth? While the Earth is covered by about 71% water, only about 1% of it is accessible for human use, as the vast majority is locked in oceans, ice caps, or deep underground. Even more critically, only approximately 0.025% of Earth’s water is clean and readily usable for human consumption and daily needs [6]. With such a limited supply, and nearly half the global population lacking access to safe drinking water [2], it is evident that our current water resources are under severe strain.
As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food — and consequently, water for agriculture — also increases. Additionally, rapid technological advancement further contributes to rising water needs, particularly for cooling systems and industrial processes. With this increasing demand for water, the world needs innovative ways to acquire more water, and one of them could be the Solar Powered Water Desalination System.
Solar Powered Water Desalination System.
Researchers from MIT and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have developed an innovative solar-powered device that can passively desalinate seawater into freshwater. The system mimics the ocean’s thermohaline circulation by inducing swirling eddies that facilitate the separation of salt from water. As sunlight heats the circulating seawater, it evaporates — leaving the salt behind. The resulting water vapor is then condensed and collected as clean, drinkable water, while the remaining salt continues to circulate and is eventually expelled from the system. One of the key advantages of this device is its passive operation, requiring no external power sources and minimal maintenance, with only occasional part replacements needed after a few years. When scaled to the size of a suitcase, the system is estimated to produce between 4 to 6 liters of clean water per hour [7].
This technology holds significant promise for addressing global water scarcity. With seawater comprising approximately 96.5% of the Earth’s total water, the ability to convert it into drinkable water offers a sustainable solution to regions suffering from freshwater shortages [4]. The device’s low-energy design makes it particularly valuable for coastal areas and remote communities that lack access to conventional water purification infrastructure. If widely implemented, innovations like this could play a vital role in supporting SDG 6 by expanding access to safe and affordable drinking water worldwide.
Despite the promising potential of new water purification technologies, several challenges remain in achieving widespread access to clean water. Many of these innovations, such as solar desalination systems, require initial investments, manufacturing, and logistical support that may not be readily available in low-income or remote regions [8]. Infrastructural limitations, lack of technical expertise, and the absence of supportive policy frameworks can also hinder adoption. To fully realize the benefits of water-related technologies, governments, private sectors, and international organizations must collaborate to ensure funding, training, and equitable distribution — especially in the most water-stressed communities. Addressing these barriers is essential if such innovations are to play a meaningful role in advancing SDG 6.
Conclusion
Access to clean water is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. As the global population grows and water demand intensifies, technological innovation offers a powerful means to bridge the gap between limited resources and increasing needs. From solar-powered desalination systems to advanced monitoring and purification tools, technology is not only enhancing water accessibility but also ensuring its long-term sustainability. However, innovation alone is not enough — effective implementation requires collaboration across sectors, inclusive policies, and equitable investment. By embracing and supporting technology-driven solutions, the global community can make significant strides toward achieving SDG 6 and ensuring a healthier, more resilient future for all.
References
[1] UNICEF, “Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation,” UNICEF Data, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://data.unicef.org/sdgs/goal-6-clean-water-sanitation/
[2] WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, “Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene 2000–2022: Special focus on inequalities,” United Nations, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.unwater.org/publications/who/unicef-joint-monitoring-program-update-report-2023
[3] DW News, “Half the world lacks access to safe drinking water,” Deutsche Welle, Mar. 22, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.dw.com/en/half-the-world-lacks-access-to-safe-drinking-water/a-70089835
[4] Cargill, “Clean Water Access,” Cargill, https://www.cargill.com/story/clean-water-access (accessed May 20, 2025).
[5]Apure Instruments, “Industrial Use of Water,” Apure, https://apureinstrument.com/blogs/industrial-use-of-water/ (accessed May 20, 2025).
[6] Biobox Water, “How much water is available on Earth?” Biobox Water, [Online]. Available: https://biobox-water.com/en/news/how_much_water_is_available_on_earth/
[7] MIT, “Desalination system could produce freshwater cheaper,” MIT News, Sep. 27, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://news.mit.edu/2023/desalination-system-could-produce-freshwater-cheaper-0927
[8] K. Quteishat and M. Abu-Arabi, Promotion of Solar Desalination in the MENA Region. Muscat, Oman: Middle East Desalination Research Center [2004].