Air Quality & Goal 6 - Clean Water & Sanitation
Clean and equitable access to water is a basic need. Goal 6 goes beyond drinking water and addresses the quality and sustainability of water sources.
Air pollution has a direct impact on water quality, particularly through the occurrence of acid rain. When chemicals and other particulate matter interact with the atmosphere, water sources are at risk.
Harmful pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide mix into the atmosphere with water and oxygen causing acidic particles to blend with precipitation, creating acid rain. The polluted rainwater then damages water, vegetation, forests, soils and wildlife.
By reducing harmful emissions that pollute water sources, we can better secure the health of ecosystems and communities alike.
Downloadable Infographics
More Information
A Government of Canada review of the causes and effects acid rain has on the environment.
To ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation.
Synergies and trade-offs between sanitation and the SDGs
Review published in 2021 on how sustainable management of sanitation services can help the SDGs.