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Here we will answer your Frequently Asked Questions.

If you have any question not covered here, contact our helpdesk via SDG632@un.org


  1. Why do countries need to report on the SDGs?

  2. Who’s who on the UN side of the SDGs?

    1. There are four organisations involved in SDG indicator 6.3.2.

      1. UNEP – United Nations Environment Programme is the custodian of three Goal 6 indicators, indicator 6.3.2 on ambient water quality, 6.5.1 on integrated water resource management, and 6.6.1 on extent of freshwater ecosystem

      2. GEMS/Water – Global Environment Monitoring System for Freshwater, is the technical partner for SDG indicator 6.3.2. GEMS/Water has been collating water quality data since 1978 and provides capacity development in all aspects of freshwater quality monitoring and assessment, and hosts GEMStat the GEMS/Water water quality database.

      3. UN Water – Coordinates the efforts of UN entities and international organizations working on water and sanitation issues. UN Water coordinates all Goal 6 under the Integrated Monitoring Initiative for Goal 6.

      4. UNSD – United Nations Statistical Division compile and disseminate global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries' efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems. UNSD receive all of the SDG submissions from countries.

Indicator 6.3.2 Methodology Questions

What is ambient water quality?

Ambient water quality refers to natural, untreated water in rivers, lakes and groundwaters. Recognising that ambient water quality is not linked to any single use of water, and that it refers to the quality of water in the natural environment which supports healthy ecosystems and serves as the source for all possible uses is critical for its management.

Why is indicator 6.3.2 important?

Indicator 6.3.2 provides a mechanism to determine whether efforts to improve water quality are working. It provides information on where water quality is good and where it is not, and how water quality is changing over time. If also helps to target capacity development efforts. This is true at global, regional, national and sub-national levels.

How does the indicator work?

The indicator methodology asks countries collates water quality data for bodies of water such as sections or tributaries of a river, a lake or an aquifer and to use these data to classify the quality of water against target values that protect human and ecosystem health. The core elements of the indicator ensure the indicator is globally comparable, yet there is flexibility within the methodology to ensure it remains nationally relevant.