An Integrated Approach to Clean Water, Sanitation, and Health: Promoting SDG 6 and SDG 3 in Rural Communities

Access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation remains a critical determinant of public health and sustainable development, particularly in semi-rural contexts. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 6, this study examines the relationship between water access, sanitation practices, hygiene behavior, and health outcomes in a semi-rural region of Karnataka. A descriptive research design was employed using a purposive sample of 60 households. Data were collected through structured surveys, semi-structured interviews with local health workers, and direct observation of water and sanitation facilities. The mixed-method approach enabled the integration of quantitative and qualitative insights.Findings indicate that 82% of households have access to basic drinking water sources, whereas only 56% possess improved sanitation facilities, revealing a significant service gap. Approximately 34% of respondents reported waterborne diseases, including diarrhoea and typhoid, within the preceding six months. The results demonstrate a clear association between inadequate sanitation, poor hygiene practices, and adverse health outcomes. Limited awareness of safe water handling and hygiene practices was also observed.Institutional constraints, including weak inter-agency coordination, implementation gaps in government programmes, and low levels of community participation, were identified as key barriers to effective service delivery.The study concludes that infrastructure provision alone is insufficient to ensure improved health outcomes. An integrated approach combining infrastructure development, behavior change communication, community participation, low-cost water treatment solutions, and strengthened institutional coordination is essential for sustainable progress. Such measures are vital for advancing public health and achieving SDGs 3 and 6 in rural and semi-rural settings.