How access to clean water drives global change – Mission Network News

International (MNN) — The Importance of Clean Water in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Many of the world’s greatest challenges could be solved with one simple resource: clean water.

For many, a morning cup of tea or coffee is a daily ritual. But for billions, access to safe water is a luxury that determines not just personal well-being but the survival of entire communities and nations. The presence or absence of clean water shapes the future, making it no surprise that Jesus compared Himself and His word to water.

The Global Water Crisis and the SDGs

Today, more than two billion people lack access to safe drinking water, leading to devastating consequences. Brian Dennett from Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel (AMG) explains, “This causes all kinds of waterborne diseases — cholera, dysentery — and claims thousands of lives in many countries where AMG is working.”

In some communities, people drink, bathe, and wash their clothes in the same contaminated water source — often near outhouses — exposing themselves to serious health risks. Yet with limited water available, they have no other choice.

“It is one of the most basic needs for health, education, and economic stability. Without it, communities remain trapped in poverty, disease, and suffering,” Dennett adds.

AMG’s Approach to Providing Clean Water

That’s why AMG makes clean water an important part of its mission. Depending on the needs of a community, they implement two key approaches:

1. Drilling deep wells in central locations to serve entire villages
2. Providing household water filtration systems to families one by one

But their mission doesn’t stop with physical water. After quenching physical thirst, AMG helps people discover the living water of Christ.

“When we visit a home to provide a water filter, we immediately begin a relationship, Gospel conversations with the family.”

The Impact of Clean Water on the SDGs

Access to clean water is not only crucial for personal well-being but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is directly linked to several SDGs, including:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

By providing clean water, AMG International is contributing to the global efforts to achieve these goals and improve the lives of individuals and communities around the world.

Conclusion

Jesus said that whoever drinks the water He gives will never thirst. As AMG International provides clean water, communities will also encounter the life-changing hope of Christ. Let us pray for the success of their mission and the realization of the SDGs.

Featured images courtesy of AMG International on Facebook.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
• SDG 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.
• SDG 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
• SDG 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.25 a day.
• SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
• SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Access to safe drinking water
• Access to adequate sanitation and hygiene
• Reduction in waterborne diseases (cholera, dysentery)
• Reduction in poverty
• Education on water-related health risks
• Employment opportunities in water-related projects

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: mnnonline.org