6. Russia’s Readiness to Achieve SDG 6 in Drinking Water and Sanitation by 2030

In Russia, there are over 2.5 million large and small rivers, more than 2 million lakes, hundreds of thousands of swamps and other water resources. Russia is experiencing a water shortage in a number of regions. The main reason for this is the extremely uneven distribution of water resources over the water basins of the country. The Far Eastern and Siberian Federal Districts (FDs) are very well provided with water resources, the Ural and North-Western FDs are somewhat less well supplied; The most densely populated districts—Privolzhsky, Central, Crimean, and North Caucasian districts—have limited water resources. The water resource management with comprehensive and reliable data collection methods with statistical observations are discussed. Impact of the development of digital economy and telecommunications infrastructure on reducing inequalities, such as SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) is highlighted. The chapter briefly discusses how Russia has progressed toward achieving each of the SDG6 targets 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6a and 6b. The current environmental situation in Russia requires many measures for regeneration, protection, and rational use of water resources. There is a need for safe and effective water engineering works to provide a reliable supply for the population, and for industrial and agricultural enterprises.