World Water Day 2017: Why waste water?

INTRODUCTION

World Water Day, on 22 March every year, is about taking action on water issues. In 2017, the theme is wastewater and the campaign,‘ Why waste water?’, is about reducing and reusing wastewater.

Sustainable Development Goal( SDG) target 6.3 requires us by 2030 to“ 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 globally.”

Progress towards target 6.3 will also help achieve the SDGs on health and well-being( SDG 3), safe water and sanitation( SDG 6), affordable and clean energy( SDG 7), sustainable cities and communities( SDG 11), life below water( SDG 14), and life on land( SDG 15), among others.

Africa Water, Sanitation & Hygiene • March- April 2017 13