Our work on SDG Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Learn about our recent progress and updates on how we're contributing to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted in 2015 by all United Nations member states. It provides a blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
Find out more about our work across all the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
About Clean Water and Sanitation
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Research
Impact of beaver dams on water quality
University of Stirling researchers quantified how dam building by beavers on agricultural streams improves downstream water quality in their 2024 project submission. Beavers are receiving increasing attention as ecosystem engineers, their dams benefitting aquatic ecosystems via improved biodiversity, water quality, and flow regulation. Researchers investigated the influence of engineering by Eurasian beaver on variation in Escherichia coli concentrations and turbidity in an agricultural stream. It was identified that beaver dams could support environmental management strategies in agricultural systems as part of a suite of nature-based approaches.
WeedWatch: Protecting India’s lakes for clean water
The aim of the WeedWatch project was to develop methods for monitoring the spread of an invasive aquatic weed, water hyacinth, in lakes in India. This weed chokes lakes and canals and has many damaging impacts on navigation, fisheries, rice cultivation and tourism as well as promoting disease by harbouring mosquitoes. The project was led by Stirling with collaborators at the University of Newcastle, the University of Strathclyde, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT, Hyderabad, India), National Institute for Plant Health Management (Hyderabad, India) and Sanatana Dharma College (Kerala, India).
The project has created strong and lasting collaborations and has led to further practical projects in India. By improving monitoring and management of water hyacinth, WeedWatch directly supports SDG 6 by helping to protect freshwater ecosystems, promote safe and sustainable water use, and reduce waterborne disease risks.
Stirling’s satellite science for clean water
The Earth and Planetary Observation Research Group at the University of Stirling harnesses cutting-edge satellite, airborne, and in-situ sensor technologies to understand how aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems respond to environmental change. Their work directly supports SDG 6 by developing innovative Earth observation methods to monitor water quality, detect harmful algal blooms, and assess the impacts of environmental stressors on freshwater systems. Through projects like WeedWatch and EO4UKWater, the group collaborates with regulators, industry, and international partners to integrate remote sensing into water management frameworks, enabling early warning systems and data-driven decision-making. These efforts contribute to safeguarding clean water resources, improving public health, and promoting sustainable water use across diverse regions.
Learning and teaching
Courses to tackle global challenges
Through modules such as ‘Our Blue Planet’, ‘Our Thirsty Planet’, and ‘Fundamentals of Remote Sensing’, the Biological and Environmental Sciences Division and the Institute of Aquaculture equip students with the scientific and technical skills needed to address global water challenges by exploring the diversity of freshwater and marine environments, the adaptations of organisms, and the ecological processes that sustain these systems. These equip students with skills and knowledge to address critical challenges such as water quality, pollution, habitat destruction, and sustainable exploitation of aquatic resources.
Modules like ‘Earth Observation’ and ‘Geographical Information Systems’ introduce advanced technologies for monitoring water bodies and detecting environmental stressors. Together, these modules foster interdisciplinary skills and applied knowledge that directly support SDG 6 by promoting clean water access, reducing pollution, and ensuring the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems for future generations.
Knowledge in action: tackling water challenges through learning
Launched in 2023-24 , the MSc Environmental Remote Sensing and Geospatial Sciences equips students with advanced skills in satellite imaging, geographical information systems, and data analytics to monitor and manage natural resources effectively. By training graduates to use remote sensing for environmental assessment, water quality monitoring, and climate-related research, the course directly supports SDG 6 by enabling evidence-based decision-making for sustainable water management.
Practical components, including fieldwork in diverse habitats and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art software, prepare students to tackle global challenges such as pollution, drought, and freshwater ecosystem degradation. Through its interdisciplinary approach and industry-linked projects, the course fosters innovation in safeguarding clean water resources and promoting resilience in water systems worldwide.
University operations
Clean water at your fingertips
Water fountains are conveniently located across campus, giving students and staff free access to clean drinking water while helping reduce single-use plastic waste. The updated University Wayfinder app (2025) makes finding these facilities effortless by pinpointing your location and guiding you to the nearest water stations and shower facilities. For added comfort, the Loch View Wellbeing Suite offers a relaxing space with both hot and cold drinking water options - ensuring hydration is always within reach.
Monitoring and reducing water usage on campus
As part of our Sustainability Plan 2022–2028, we’re committed to creating a greener, more sustainable campus by cutting energy use, reducing water consumption, and lowering emissions. We track water supply and treatment annually through the Public Bodies Climate Change Report (PBCCR) and are proud to report real progress: water usage dropped by 10% between 2022-23 and 2023-24, and by 17% since 2019-20. All emissions data is publicly available through the Sustainable Scotland Network, ensuring transparency and accountability as we work toward a more sustainable future.
Loch Clearing: Keeping Airthrey Loch healthy and sustainable
Our Estates and Campus Services team works with a sustainable water management company to maintain Airthrey Loch at the heart of our campus. A loch is the common name in Scotland for an inland body of water that is often referred to as a lake in English language.
Regular clearing of plant material improves water flow, boosts oxygen levels, and enhances water quality - helping to prevent algal blooms. To provide a long-term solution to recurring blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), we’ve installed ultrasonic sound wave units in the loch. These units create gentle pressure on the water’s surface, preventing algae from rising and absorbing light for photosynthesis. The algae then sink to the loch bed, where they naturally degrade, offering a non-chemical, eco-friendly approach that protects fish, plants, zooplankton, and insects. Throughout these works, we collaborate closely with student societies and community clubs to ensure their activities on the loch continue without disruption.
Civic engagement
Hydro Nation Chair
The Scotland Hydro Nation Chair (HNC) programme was established by Scottish Water to bring the research and innovation (R&I) community together to support its net zero ambitions. Providing the leadership and driving the collaborations needed to deliver sustainable water management in Scotland, the Hydro Nation Chair Research and Innovation Programme is building an agile R&I community responsive to the needs of Scottish Water, with a mission of addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation. The £3.5 million programme has leveraged £19.2 million across the R&I community.
Flood resilience and emergency response: science in action
Scotland’s International Environment Centre (SIEC), established as part of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, works with Clackmannanshire Council and partners to improve flood resilience by enhancing reporting on flood hotspots, expanding sensor networks, and aligning procurement specifications. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen regional preparedness and efficiency in managing water-related risks.
In addition to local initiatives, SIEC provides an emergency flood response service using satellite imagery from the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters. This capability was deployed to map flooding after the Kakhovka Dam breach in Ukraine, with data shared through the Horizon Europe DOORS consortium to support recovery efforts in the Black Sea region. These activities contribute to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s new Satellite Emergency Monitoring Service (SEMS), approved by the Scottish Government, launched in 2024 and pioneered by Stirling’s scientists, which enhances Scotland’s ability to respond rapidly to climate-related disasters.
This work illustrates civic engagement within SDG 6 by combining science, policy, and community partnerships to protect water resources, improve resilience, and ensure safe water access during emergencies.
Gartmorn dam: technology, community, and clean water for the future
We are leading an ambitious project at Gartmorn Dam in Clackmannanshire to better understand and protect the environment. Combining cutting-edge satellite technology with sensor networks, researchers monitor water quality, temperature, and biodiversity in real time, while satellites provide a “big picture” view of landscape changes. This integrated approach helps identify pollution, flooding risks, and ecosystem shifts - critical for climate resilience and sustainable water management.
A key innovation was the deployment of a state-of-the-art water quality data buoy in 2024. The buoy transmits near real-time data to scientists, local authorities, and community groups, enabling evidence-based decisions to protect water resources. This work involves partnerships with Clackmannanshire Council, NatureScot, Scottish Water, and the local community.
Beyond research, the project prioritises community engagement. The University collaborates with schools and local organisations to share findings and involve residents in caring for their environment. This civic partnership illustrates SDG 6 in action—ensuring clean water and sanitation through science, education, and community-led stewardship.