Abstract: The earliest civilizations were made possible due to settlement along major rivers that allowed for irrigation. In modern times, most of the world’s major cities are built along major rivers. They provide water for drinking, sanitation, fishing and for recreation activities. Irrigation consumes well above 70% of the earths fresh surface waters which comprise of less than 1% of the global fresh water capacity. The millennium development goals had set targets which were not met and the contemporary sustainable development goals were set to realize the goals. Water is addressed on most of the SDGs goals: life under water, zero hunger etc