4. Indicator 6.3.2 interlinkages across the SDGs
The importance of indicator 6.3.2 is key not just
These measures were namely the expansion of
to SDG 6, but also to many other SDGs that rely
construction of wastewater treatment plants in
on good ambient water quality, whether directly
the 1970s, and the ban of phosphate in laundry
or indirectly. Information from indicator 6.3.2 can
detergents, which came into effect in the country
inform decisions related to ending hunger (SDG
in 1986. Each lake is unique and responded
2), improving health (SDG 3), increasing access
slightly differently, but a significant reduction is
to energy (SDG 7), promoting sustainable tourism
clearly observed in each one.
and industrialization (SDG 8 and 9), reducing marine pollution (SDG 14) and safeguarding terrestrial biodiversity (SDG 15). In this way, developing strategic partnerships that both use and provide indicator 6.3.2 data will significantly contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.
4.1. Indicator 6.3.1 – Proportion of wastewater safely treated The close relationship between the two target 6.3 indicators on wastewater treatment (6.3.1) and ambient water quality (6.3.2) is demonstrated by historical data collected for the national and transboundary lakes of Switzerland, which show a clear reduction in lake phosphorus content following implementation of nutrient control measures in the lake catchments (Figure 14).
Inle Lake, Myanmar by Jade Marchand on Unsplash
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PROGRESS ON AMBIENT WATER QUALITY - 2021
