Contribute to water security and to the promotion of a water culture that improves people's quality of life
Salvadoran Water Authority
(
Government
)
#SDGAction51273
Description
The challenges facing the country in water issues include low levels of access to quality services, multiple vulnerabilities in the sector, insufficient flow of economic resources for project implementation, and lack of innovation in the field.
Given the above, the General Law on Water Resources was submitted to the Legislative Assembly and approved in December 2021 by the government of President Nayib Bukele. Article 10 establishes the institutional framework and creates the Salvadoran Water Authority, which began its operations on July 12, 2022 to assure the enforcement and compliance of the law. Hence, the Salvadoran Water Authority turns into the superior, deliberative, guiding, and normative body in terms of water resources policy.
In order to comply with the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 6: Drinking Water and Sanitation, two major strategic objectives were defined within the Institutional Strategic Plan of the Salvadoran Water Authority:
- To promote the integrated management of water resources for the well-being of the population and the development of economic, social, and environmental activities in a sustainable manner.
- To develop innovative solutions that generate value by materializing the human right to water and sanitation.
The strategic actions that will ensure compliance with the above mentioned objectives are as follows:
- Water Resources Management: this strategic action is focused on facilitating water resource management and its efficient use in accordance with the provisions of the Law, as well as its sustainability and water security, orienting it to changes in user behavior, in order to benefit the population.
- Research + Development + Innovation (R+D+i) to Improve the Quality of Life: Creates and develops innovative solutions by applying agile methodologies that utilize results-based project management to generate value for the population and an impact on the environment.
- Institutional Strengthening: Develops the potential of collaborators, works to strengthen the institutional identity of the Salvadoran Water Authority, and establishes long-term relationships with institutions and organizations of interest to generate alliances and cooperation bonds.
- Promotion of the Circular Water Economy: Promotes the sustainable development of water resources, generating a positive impact on the population and recognizing the full value of the resource.
It is expected that the implementation of specific actions will generate regulations for water resources including its uses, permits, and allocations. In addition, actions focused on water audits will be carried out to guarantee the population the adequate use and disposal of treated water. All these efforts will be supported by the creation of a new water culture, which will allow academic institutions to incorporate in their curricula a new form of water management from homes, schools and, of course, higher education institutions. This will generate awareness and commitment to the proper use of water and its final disposal in the country's different bodies of water.
In addition, projects that incorporate an innovative approach will be encouraged. Research and the development of projects that incorporate technological elements and world best practices will also be promoted. These will be measured through mid-term evaluations which will lead to improvements in the implementation process.
The development of projects focused on a circular water economy will be supported, fostering the reuse of water in all its dimensions and contributing directly to water security. Transboundary work for the protection of the watersheds that are shared with El Salvador's neighboring countries will also be encouraged.
As part of the continuous improvement of the Salvadoran Water Authority, capacities and material resources will be strengthened, such as equipment, infrastructure, and tools. This will allow the execution of tasks in an efficient and agile manner, which will contribute directly to the integral management of water resources.
- United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
- Conference of Ibero-American Water Directors (CODIA)
- Global Water Partnership (GWP)
- Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
SDGS & Targets
Goal 6
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
6.1
By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
6.1.1
Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services
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
6.2.1
Proportion of population using (a) safely managed sanitation services and (b) a hand-washing facility with soap and water
6.3
By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
6.3.1
Proportion of domestic and industrial wastewater flows safely treated
6.3.2
Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality
6.4
6.4.1
Change in water-use efficiency over time
6.4.2
Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources
6.5
By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
6.5.1
Degree of integrated water resources management
6.5.2
Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation
6.6
6.6.1
Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time
6.a
6.a.1
Amount of water- and sanitation-related official development assistance that is part of a government-coordinated spending plan
6.b
Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
6.b.1
Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for participation of local communities in water and sanitation management
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|
Deliverables & Timeline
National Rainwater Harvesting Program
Resources mobilized
Partnership Progress
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Timeline
Entity
SDGs
Region
- Latin America and the Caribbean
Other beneficiaries
- Non-profit social organizations with legal status whose purpose is to provide drinking water services to the community (water boards)
- General population
More information
Countries
Contact Information
Jorge Castaneda, President of the Salvadoran Water Authority
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