The sixth objective seeks to ensure universal and equitable access to safe drinking water, hygiene and sanitation by 2030, particularly for vulnerable populations. It also calls for the sustainable management of this resource and refers to reducing the number of people affected by water scarcity. This objective incorporates the notion of transboundary water management, which is essential for sustainability and also conducive to peace and cooperation.
SDG6 - Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Where does France stand?
Domestic challenges
The French Water Law of 3 January 1992 states that water is the common heritage of the nation, and that everyone has the right to use water and have access to quality drinking water at an acceptable price.
The polluter pays principle, defined in article 4 of the Charter for the Environment, is in part intended to help finance water treatment.
In 2018, 43.1% of surface waters (rivers, lakes and coastal waters) in France were of “good” or “very good chemical status”, i.e. meeting quality standards for the main pollutants.
Water management in France is organised according to the principles laid out in the European Water Framework Directive adopted in 2000. It is based on the establishment of Master Plans of the Development and Management of Water (Schémas directeurs d’aménagement et de gestion des eaux - Sdage).
Agriculture is the economic sector most dependent on the availability of water resources, for irrigation, livestock farming and the processing of agri-food products.
Climate change is altering the challenges of water management, leading to a potential 10-30% reduction in summer river flows and impacting aquifer levels. It will also have an impact on water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
Water is a cross-cutting issue : it affects health, hygiene, food, education, the environment and the climate. France is committed to integrated water resource management as a tool for good governance, notably through the Helsinki (1992) and New York (1997) conventions.
96.7% of the water distributed in 2021 complies with physico-chemical standards. (INSEE).
France’s actions
In France, water resources are managed on the basis of river basins, the 12 basins being marked out by surface water dividing lines. For each river basin, the River Basin Committee (made up of elected representatives of local authorities, representatives of water users and representatives of the State) determines the broad guidelines within the framework of national and European water policies.
With its dynamic approach to biodiversity protection, the law of 8 August 2016 for the Restoration of Biodiversity, Nature and Landscapes :
- Strengthens the links between water policy and biodiversity policy by increasing the support of water agencies for ecosystem restoration projects and by creating the French Biodiversity Agency (AFB), now the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB), responsible for policing water and nature.
- Brings together water and biodiversity policies.
France wants to develop ecosystem engineering of and promote nature-based solutions (biomimetics) with the aim of making regions more resilient in the face of climate change.
The action plan for resilient and concerted water management presented on 30 March 2023 has three objectives :
- Organise reduced use for all those involved ;
- Optimise resource availability (combating leaks, reusing wastewater etc.) ;
- Preserve water quality.
The government has set a target of reducing water extraction by 10% by 2030.
In addition, the 2nd National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PNACC 2) contains specific concrete measures for the water sector.