Frequent and proper handwashing is the most basic frontline defense against the spread of COVID-19. Yet a quarter of the world’s population lacks access to a reliable water supply—a far cry from the aspirations of Sustainable Development Goal 6—Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. The pandemic has heightened awareness of both the extent and consequences of this access gap, and it could slow down progress in meeting the SDG 6 development goal as revenue losses by water utilities affect their ability to make critical capital investments.