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In our modern era, it’s astonishing that we continue to grapple with diseases already tackled by technological breakthroughs. In a sense, nature always has a way of getting back, no matter human progress, and among these enduring threats are waterborne diseases. These diseases still pose significant health risks globally, with people in developing countries most vulnerable.

Waterborne diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms that thrive in dirty water sources. These pathogens include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Learn more: https://www.worldvision.org/clean-water-news-stories/what-is-in-the-water-will-make-you-sick.

Essentially, they enter the human body when people ingest this contaminated water or use it for food preparation and, in some cases, even skin-to-skin contact.  Areas with terrible water management practices lead to poor water quality index and, in turn, contribute significantly to the spread of waterborne illnesses. This threat is not only exclusive but may be rampant in developing countries. The global population is persistently exposed to this peril, highlighting the critical need for maintaining proper hygiene in water management practices.

Common Waterborne Diseases and Their Causes

Cholera

This disease is surprisingly still occurring around the world, especially in poverty-stricken countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Haiti. This is caused by a bacterium, Vibrio cholerae, which is present in water and food contaminated with fecal matter. The occurrence of such an outbreak is primarily a result of improper sewage disposal and poor sanitation.

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid Fever is primarily caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, which is transmitted through ingesting water or food contaminated by the feces of an affected individual. It remains a worldwide threat as this bacterium only lives in humans, and carriers often still have the bacteria even after they recover from the illness.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes an acute liver infection in people exposed to it through drinking water contaminated by infected fecal matter. The virus is highly contagious and enduring, as it lives in the environment for quite a while, with the infected person being contagious two weeks after recovery.

Preventive Measure for Waterborne Diseases From Water Hygiene Services

These waterborne diseases have been, for the most part, effectively managed by modern sewage systems and advanced water filtration technology. However, ordinary households remain exposed to bacteria and other contaminant microbes with poor maintenance of their water systems. You can also learn more about managing water safely and sustainably from this link: totalwater.co.uk. Ultimately, these sanitation facilities play a critical role in preventing contaminated water from flowing through your household pipes.

Ensure Water Quality and Safety

Water hygiene services conduct regular water quality testing on water tanks and systems to ensure only safe drinking water reaches your home. They conduct rigorous testing and analysis of the water at the source to prevent any harmful pathogens and other microbes that may be present in the water from thriving.

Implement Effective Treatment Methods

Water hygiene professionals also employ a wide range of advanced treatment methods, such as filtration, chlorination, ozonation, and UV sterilization, that target these disease-causing microorganisms.

Monitoring and Surveillance

They ensure that water quality assessment, not just on the source but also in the distribution systems and treatment facilities, follows consistent timelines. This allows for early detection and identification of potential risks and promptly prevents outbreaks with immediate and proper solutions.

Community Education and Awareness

At the community level, residents must be regularly educated about new updates on safe water management and how hygiene plays a critical role in disease prevention. Water hygiene services can provide updates on water tests done to your water sources and potential risks when detected, as well as educate you on safe water management practices in your homes.

Supporting Policy Development

Water hygiene services update themselves on new standards and regulations imposed by the government. They also collaborate with the policymakers and regulatory bodies, providing their insights and expertise while developing new guidelines and strategies that ensure the safety and cleanliness of water for everyone.

Find more information about WASH from this article.

Responding to Outbreaks and Emergencies

In times of outbreaks or emergencies due to waterborne diseases, these services swiftly coordinate with health authorities to source the cause of the epidemic, contain the spread of the illness, and restore the water quality in the nearby areas to prevent further health risks.

Importance of Water Hygiene and Preventive Measures

Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are placed at higher risk when exposed to contaminated water. Their exposure may develop severe complications, while common threats for average individuals are diarrheal diseases and dehydration.

Thus, raising awareness about these waterborne diseases, especially in poverty-stricken areas, can be a lifesaving approach to curb the spread of these diseases and promote water hygiene practices. Government policies should focus on improving water infrastructures, sanitation processes and developing sustainable strategies from the grassroots to the top-down level to mitigate any potential health risk from water contamination.