By Victorine Biy Yongka
The appropriate preservation of water has been noted as the surest way of avoiding contracting water borne diseases. It has become an essential practice in all regions, even in areas where water seems abundant.
Water conservation helps prevent water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers and local watersheds. It can also extend the life of a septic system by reducing soil saturation and any pollution due to leaks.
Water related diseases are caused by micro organisms and chemicals in the water people drink. 2004 statistics from the World Health Organisation, WHO, estimated that over 88 percent of children die yearly from water related diseases. The research results further indicated that 1.8 million people suffer from water related diseases as a result of unsafe water supply, sanitation and hygiene.
The improper transportation and storage of water is said to be the brain behind this ailment. There are varied origins of water as well as many illnesses linked to its diverse sources. Some of these common illnesses are typhoid, diarrhoea, schistosomiasis, malaria, guinea-worm, typhoid, trachoma and others.
Doubtful Water Sources
The unsatisfactory access to safe drinking water must be caused by other factors than climatic and hydrologic conditions. Water drawn from the well is polluted given its proximity to the numerous latrines in our neighbourhoods. It can, therefore, be used with fear for dry-cleaning. Spring water is of doubtful quality. It is vulnerable to many polluting agents like leakages from latrines, garages, agro-industrial complexes, etc.
However, spring water can be used for cleaning of all sorts, especially if disinfected. Water from the river may be contaminated depending on its source. Rain water is also a doubtful source of water. It is not potable. It gathers microbes from the atmosphere. It can be used domestically if precautions are taken.
Tap water on its part is potable but should be well conserved. Bad manipulation of water and bad practices in the handling of water are gateways to illnesses.
Conversation Method
As far as there are numerous doubtful sources of water, there are also several ways of preserving it to guarantee its portability. A variety of illnesses can be contracted by drinking poorly conserved water. Water for consumption should therefore be fetched, transported and stored in enclosed drinking pails. Drinking water is not supposed to be placed on the floor. It should always be placed on a stool, at least 60 cm high and should be constantly covered till the water gets finish.
The pail should have a tap to render a regular flow of water when need arises. Drinking water should be fetched exclusively from the tap and if a drinking pail is void of it, then water should be removed from the bucket by matured people because children easily dirty water. A bucket of water is not eternal, thus potable water should not last long. A bucket of water is short-lived even if the bucket is appropriately stored. Seven days is the adequate duration for potable water. Poor manipulation can deteriorate the maximum duration of seven days.
Important Tips
Above all, drinking pails should be thoroughly kept clean. Always put water in a clean cup or glass before drinking. Never store water of doubtful source in drinking pails. Never use drinking containers to do other things. Store drinking water in containers of less than 10 litres, bottles, gallons with covers.
Wash containers destined for drinking water with soap and rinse properly. Never directly put cups or glasses in containers with drinking water.The final quality of our water highly depends on the ways through which it is fetched, transported and conserved at home. Many microbes and illnesses can contaminate our water if not properly handled.
A significant amount of diseases could be prevented especially in developing countries through better access to safe water supply, adequate sanitation facilities and better hygiene practices.
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